Geneseo Earns 2-2 With Johns Hopkins In Season Opener
MADISON, N.J. – SUNY Geneseo junior forward Rich Bellusci (Lynbrook, N.Y./Lynbrook) scored two goals as the Knights game back from one-goal deficits twice to earn a 2-2 draw on the first day of the Drew Fall Festival Tournament, Friday.
"This was a good result for us against a quality and very technical Johns Hopkins squad," said Knights head coach Dominic Oliveri. "I thought our offense created several good scoring opportunities, while defensively, we need to improve upon some miscues. To fight back twice against a team like that is a good way to start off the season."
The Blue Jays (0-0-1) got on the board in the 35th minute on a goal by Danny Reategui, but the Knights found an answer less than five minutes later. Bellusci won a ball at midfield and made a solid individual effort to evade two defenders and get into position for a shot on goal. His initial strike was blocked, but a fortunate rebound turned into an easy finish from seven yards away to knot the game heading into intermission.
Reategui tallied again, converting a 1-on-1 opportunity with Geneseo sophomore goalkeeper Logan Calvey (Vestal, N.Y./Vestal) from the right side to give Johns Hopkins the lead once again in the 55th minute, but Bellusci was on the receiving end of chance created by a two-on-one break created by senior midfielder Craig Schackner (Dix Hills, N.Y.) and freshman midfielder Matt D'Amico (Pittsford, N.Y./Pittsford Mendon) at midfield. D'Amico ended up crossing a ball in front of the Blue Jay goal over to a wide open Bellusci who finished from two yards out for the game's second tie in the 77th minute.
Calvey was credited with three saves in 110 minutes of action as the teams also tied in shots, 18-18.
Geneseo returns to action on Saturday against Haverford (Pa.) at 3:00 p.m. in second-round play in New Jersey.
