By: Subir Nigam
Staff Writer
subnig1@umbc.edu
Men’s soccer drew 0-0 against in-state rival University of Maryland, and defeated Appalachian State 3-1 this past week. Senior midfielder Mamadou Kansaye played a vital role in both those matches. Kansaye is the team captain, as he has held that position since his junior year.
During the match at UMD, Kansaye played all of regulation time as well as the 20 extra overtime minutes. Logging 110 minutes in all, Kansaye played well and created chances offensively while also playing solid defense. Holding No.7 ranked Maryland scoreless is no easy task. Kansaye’s best play of the night came when sending in a free kick cross that was very nearly flicked past the Terps’ goalkeeper.
Kansaye broke through a couple days later against Appalachian State, scoring two goals and an assist. It was in the 49’ minute when some great passing in the attacking third found its way to Kansaye, where he was able to dribble past four defenders and tuck the ball nicely into the near post.
“My first goal was a great team goal,” Kansaye said after the game.
This gave UMBC the 2-1 lead which stood until Kansaye bent a beautiful free kick past the Appalachian State goalkeeper with under two minutes left in the game. This was Kansaye’s first multi-goal game, and his eight in his collegiate career.
Kansaye has earned several athletic accolades throughout his career, and his stellar play continues to propel UMBC forward. His durability is also one of his great physical attributes, as he started all 20 games in 2013 and has continued that streak throughout this young 2014 campaign.
