Concord Ledger

The University of New Hampshire Wildcats men’s soccer team continued its stellar start to the season on Saturday evening, taking down the University of Albany Great Danes 2-0 and improving its record to 7-0-0, according to the Official Website of the UNH Wildcats.

The Wildcats relied on midfielder Rory O’Driscoll’s hot foot to carry them to victory. 

O’Driscoll scored both New Hampshire goals, the first in the seventh minute off an assist from teammate Tola Showunmi and the second on a penalty kick in the 79th minute. Those goals were backed up by a strong defensive effort in a season that has been full of them for the Wildcats. As a team, they have allowed only two goals through their first seven games, including five clean sheets.

Despite the loss, Albany coach Trevor Gorman was pleased with his team's effort against a strong opponent. “Our team gave a committed effort tonight against one of the top teams in the country,” he told University of Albany Sports. “I was pleased with the response after Tuesday's result.”

New Hampshire’s early-season success has contributed to their lofty national ranking of No. 9. The Wildcats faithful have been thrilled with the team’s early-season success. “The No. 9 nationally ranked UNH Men's Soccer team defeated UAlbany 2-0 tonight to improve to 7-0-0 on the season! The Wildcats are set for a showdown of undefeated teams when they take on 5-0-0 Quinnipiac on Tuesday at Wildcat Stadium (6 PM)!” said a Sept. 18 Facebook post from the UNH Wildcats.

This was the Wildcats' first inter-conference game of the season. They are now 1-0-0 in the American East. Currently, they are the only team in the conference ranking within the top 25 of the United Soccer Coaches poll, according to NCAA.com.

As for Albany, the defeat dropped them to 4-3-0 in the season, according to UAlbany. It was the second straight loss for the Great Danes, who have struggled on the road (1-3) this season, despite being undefeated at home.

The Wildcats beat Quinnipiac in that match-up on Tuesday, 5-0, bringing them to 8-0-0 for the season.