By Tara Cangialosi

In its first game against competition in the Atlantic 10 Conference, the Fordham men’s soccer team dominated the visiting La Salle University Explorers on Saturday, Oct. 3, winning 3-0.
The wind and rain from Hurricane Joaquin made conditions less than ideal, but it did not stop the Rams’ offensive outburst bolstered by the German brothers, sophomore Jannik Loebe and freshman Janos Loebe. The Loebs accounted for all three goals, while senior outside midfielder Ryan Walsh assisted all three.
The Rams first scored in the 11th minute. Red-shirt senior Andres Penfold controlled the ball on the far sideline, and then centered the ball into the box. Walsh was there, where he sent the ball airborne with a back-heeled flick. Jannik Loebe chested the ball down for control and sent a scorching shot into the back of the net from 12 yards out, scoring his first goal of the season and giving the Rams an early 1-0 lead.
The Rams continued to dominate throughout the half, and capitalized again in the 44th minute.
Walsh started the attack on the right side from 30 yards out. He dribbled toward the left and sent a pass through to an oncoming Janos Loebe. The younger Loebe, who has speed on his side, managed to get to the pass before La Salle’s keeper, Matt Kirk. Loeb snuck the ball around Kirk, expertly placing it into goal to put the Rams up 2-0 by the end of the first half.
“It feels really good to contribute,” Janos Loebe said. “But [it is] most important to win the game and I try my best to help the team.”
The first part of the second half was fairly even, as La Salle began to put up more of a fight. But Fordham remained sound on defense, shutting down any attempts the Explorers made.
However, the Rams were not finished on the offensive end as they scored a third goal in the 69th minute.
Again, the score came from a combination play from the Loebe brothers and Walsh.
Jannik Loebe broke away from his defender 30 yards from goal. He passed it wide to Walsh on the left side, who then crossed it to the penalty spot. Janos Loebe was in the exact place he needed to be, and scored a one-timer that went off the right post and into the net.
The goal sealed the 3-0 victory for Fordham, capping off a stellar first performance against an A-10 rival. The team only allowed two shots in the game, both of which missed the frame of the goal. Fordham’s keeper Rashid Nuhu did not record a save, while La Salle’s Kirk had two.
The victory brings the Rams’ record to 3-4-3 on the year and 1-0 in the A-10, while La Salle drops to 4-6-1 overall and 0-1 in the A-10.
With family from Germany in the stands, the Loebe brothers could not have pulled off a better performance at home and Walsh arguably had his best game of the season. If all three players continue to excel, the Rams will be in great shape.
“This game was very important for all of us and it felt amazing to be able to contribute to the success of the team,” Walsh said. “Everyone on the team came out ready to win.”
The Rams must keep up this momentum and continue to improve in all aspects of the game to have a chance at another A-10 tournament berth. In the next few games on the road, against Davidson on Oct. 7 and Duquesne on Oct. 10, Fordham will need to set the tone for the rest of the season.
Consistent offensive performance will be crucial, especially in terms of finishing goals in the final third. If the Loebe brothers can continue their prolific scoring and if Penfold can get more involved up top, the Rams are unstoppable. Continued productivity and a forward mentality from Walsh, junior Ole Sandnes and senior captain Ryan Cupolo will also aid the Rams in the midfield.
Additionally, Fordham’s previous keeper, Sean Brailey, kept Fordham in games with some magnificent saves at critical moments last season, especially down the final stretch of the season.
Though this puts pressure on Nuhu as a freshman, he has noticeable athleticism and is fit to handle it.
“It will definitely build momentum going into our two away games next week,” Walsh said, when asked about how the win will impact the team’s next game. “Going into this week with confidence and a win under our belt will be very helpful.”
The Rams will look for their second A-10 conference win on Wednesday, Oct. 7 when they travel to Davidson, North Carolina. to take on the Wildcats.