The Alternative Press

LIVINGSTON, NJ - Livingston (3-10-1) hoped they would be able to open their annual “Senior Night” game with a victory in front of a packed crowd Friday night. Instead, the few devoted fans that did attend witnessed a heartbreaking 3-1 defeat to the Madison Dodgers (6-5-1).

On a rain-drenched turf the Lancers put up a valiant effort, but it simply wasn’t enough as the Dodgers’ pulled away with two late goals in the second half by Yorman Cosme and John Miller.

Livingston opened the game honoring their outgoing seniors by starting all nine of them: Sean Hunter, Zachary Panzner, Alec Roos, Ryan Ladell, Sachin Seth, Patrick Bargoud, Jordan Katz, Tomer Niv, and Zachary Gokhman.

Many of them contributed to the Lancers’ early success in keeping up with the Dodgers’ high-powered offense. The Lancers in fact were right in pace with the Dodgers for the majority of the first half matching their shots on goal total with eight each.

Unfortunately for Livingston, Madison was able to have one of those shots reach the back end of the net, while the Lancers’ could not. That score happened due to a breakout play by Dodger Anton Benedickt who accounted for the majority of Madison’s shots on goal.

The Lancers had several opportunities to answer back but Dodger’s keeper Sean Haughey resembled a stonewall in the first half.

In the second half Madison continued their dominant performance amassing seven shots on goal within the first 15 minutes of play, the last one resulting in a score by Cosme.

The Lancers however continued to fight, and after several saves by keeper Sean Hunter, and a borderline miraculous play by Jesse Levitt, heading the ball out of the goal after it bounced over the head of Hunter, Livingston finally developed an offensive game.

After the Dodgers took their 16th shot on a goal, the Lancers finally got some much-needed offense from sophomores Robbie April and Ryan Chisarick. April dribbled the ball deep into Dodger territory before passing it to Chisarick for the score.

After a missed Panzner header, that would’ve tied the game at two, Madison quickly responded to remove any chance of a comeback with Miller’s goal to make it 3-1.

Although the Lancer’s have had a disappointing season to say the least, many remain optimistic including Captain Tomer Niv, “We have many young players who are doing a great job and a few senior leaders who are guiding us throughout the difficult process. Improvement is evident by the close games we’ve played and the substantial increase in goals scored.”

Livingston looks to rebound against Newark Academy (7-6-1) this Saturday night at 7 p.m.