By Ann Brunn
Correspondent
The men’s soccer team opened the season on Friday, Aug. 30 with a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against Lycoming College.
The win came as part of the Turk Emekli Classic, hosted by The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
The Lions, trailing 1-0 with just a minute left in regulation, benefited from a corner kick by junior midfielder Kevin Esteves, which led to freshman forward Justin Dominique’s first ever collegiate goal that tied the game 1-1.
Five minutes into overtime, the Lions’ win was sealed with a goal by junior midfielder Ryan Vazquez near the penalty spot.
Junior goalkeeper Daniel Mecadon made four key saves for the Lions, while Dominique lead the offensive with four shots, followed by Vazquez with three. Throught their efforts, the College was able to outshoot Lycoming 12-10.
The matinee against Gettysburg College on Saturday, Aug. 31 produced the same result, even though the game ended within regulation.
Dominique netted his second collegiate goal, assisted by senior midfielder Michael Maltese, to tie the game 1-1 in the 36th minute.
The College wasted no time as it took the lead seven minutes into the second half on free kick from junior midfielder James Pike from about 20 yards out from the goal.
Once again, Mecadon was the stopper, totaling nine saves in the match with six coming in the first half. The Lions’ defense held Gettysburg to only four shots on goal in the second half.
The Lions are back home on Wednesday, Sept. 4 to take on Brooklyn College and then on Saturday, Sept. 7 to take to the road again to go up against Hampden-Sydney College.
