By Otto Gomez
Staff Writer
The Lions continued their chase for the postseason with another NJAC game, on the road against New Jersey City University on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Having won their last two conference games, the team looked to keep their momentum going as the season winds down.
While the Gothic Knights were able to get on the board first, the Lions quickly responded with a goal by freshman defenseman Joerg Jauk off a bad clearing attempt by the opposition. Less than two minutes later, sophomore forward Michael Kassak assisted freshman defender Nick Zolofra to bring the team up by one goal. Senior defenseman Greg Kaye gave the Lions more of a cushion with a third goal right before the end of the half.
While the Knights opened the half with a score of their own, the Lions stayed true to their game and 12 minutes later, when junior midfielder, captain Nick Costelloe scored his 11th goal of the year to put the game away.
On the defensive side, senior goalkeeper Jake Nesteruk tied a season high with six saves on the day.
The next test for the Lions was the William Paterson Pioneers, on Saturday, Oct. 24, at home, and the team did not disappoint.
In an emotional and important game, the team’s six seniors played the last home game of their college careers. They understood what the game meant, for the only way the Lions can make the playoffs is by winning the last two NJAC games, that included the Homecoming weekend game, in which they prevailed with a 4-3 win.
“We knew this was a big one for us, especially it being the last home game for the seniors,” Costelloe said. “I’m very happy we played well and got the win.”
It was one of those seniors, defender Andrew Kimball, that got the Lions on the board with a goal on an assist from Jauk.
While the Pioneers tied the game before halftime, the Lions netted three quick goals at the beginning of the second half to pull the game wide open. Costelloe had another successful match, scoring two goals in succession before Nick Provenzano made the game, 4-1.
The Pioneers quietly made a comeback to bring the game within one, but the Lions’ defense held on for the victory.
The team continues to play for its season on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Rowan University, where a win guarantees a playoff berth.
