Coming into Tuesday’s matchup with Stony Brook University, the Rams were riding high after a dramatic Atlantic 10 Conference game at home to St. Bonaventure University. A tightly contested game between the Rams and Bonnies saw Fordham have to go into its fourth consecutive overtime. With just 4.1 seconds left to spare in the second overtime period, junior defender Luka Fava headed home the golden goal to lift Fordham to its 3rd win of the season.

This week, the Rams began a four-match road swing, starting on Tuesday evening against Stony Brook University. Last year, the Rams and the Seawolves played to a draw. It seemed like Fordham was in prime position for a road win, considering Stony Brook came into Tuesday’s game losers of three straight matches.

Fordham found itself in another defensive battle early on in the first half. Both squads were able to contain the opposing offenses, with just seven shots between the two teams. Fordham held a slight advantage at 4–3, but neither team was able to capitalize in the final third of play.

At the half, the match remained scoreless and yet again, it looked as if the Rams may be destined to go to overtime for a fifth straight outing. Naturally, Fordham started the second half aggressively on offense.

Junior midfielder Jacob Bohm took a shot on goal from ten yards out in the 45th minute, but was denied by Seawolves goalkeeper Edmond Kaiser.

Just three minutes later, Stony Brook went on the offensive and put a dangerous ball into the 18-yard box. Senior defender and captain Joergen Oland attempted to clear the ball to safety, but a bad touch sent the ball inside the right post, resulting in a Fordham own goal.

It is the Rams first own goal of the season and a costly error for Oland, normally the surest defender on the squad. Fordham continued amping up the offensive attack, as graduate student forward Filippo Ricupati had three scoring chances in a seven-minute span. Unfortunately, Kaiser was the best player on the field for the Seawolves, making save after save throughout the match.

Then, in the eighty-third minute, sophomore midfielder paul Makaj had perhaps Fordham’s best opportunity to tie. Makaj ripped a one-timer from 12 yards out. Yet, as was the case all night, Kaiser made a diving save to preserve Stony Brook’s lead.

Despite outshooting the Seawolves on the night, 12–5, the final horn went off to end regulation and the scoreboard read 1–0 in favor of the home team. The loss drops Fordham to 3–6–1 on the season, with all five losses coming out of conference. With all the overtime games the Rams have played so far, it looks as if attrition will be the teams biggest obstacle moving forward.

Fordham Men’s Soccer is back in action this Saturday, where they jump right back into A-10 conference play. Fordham will take the relatively short trip up to Rhode Island to renew its rivalry dubbed, “ It will be the 27th meeting between Fordham and Rhode Island. The Battle of the Rams.” Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m and can be seen on ESPN+.