Ann Brunn
Staff Writer
The men’s soccer team improved its overall record to 8-2 after a 2-1 victory over Stevens Institute of Technology on Sept. 25 at Lions Stadium.
The Lions found the back of the net first in the 32nd minute when junior midfielder Kevin Esteves sent in a corner kick to sophomore defenseman Dante Bettino, who headed it in to give the Lions a 1-0 lead.
It was merely 37 seconds later when Bettino was able to steal a pass from a Stevens defender intended for the goalkeeper and score on an empty net from 25 yards out.
In the 71st minute, Stevens cut the lead in half with a
Junior goalkeeper Daniel Mecadon played a crucial role in the Lions’ victory, tallying four saves on the night, two of which came within less than five minutes left in the match, as Stevens desperately attempted to tie the game.
On Saturday, Sept. 28, the Lions battled their way to a draw with Ramapo College, which boosted their overall record to 8-2-1 and 0-1-1 against New Jersey Athletic Conference opponents.
Ramapo scored first in the 18th minute and maintained the 1-0 lead throughout the first half. The Lions had a 7-5 shot advantage during this time.
Freshman midfielder Riley Furlong knotted the match at 1-1 with his second goal of the season in the 61st minute off an assist from Monaco.
Eleven minutes later, freshman midfielder Luke Yates put the Lions on top 2-1 with a header. In the 88th minute, Ramapo tied the game 2-2.
Maltese and sophomore midfielder Nicholas Franco both had opportunities to give the Lions the advantage in the second overtime, but the Ramapo goalkeeper saved both shots.
In the 107th and 109th minute, Yates had two good looks on goal, but Ramapo’s goalkeeper came up with the saves yet again. Meanwhile, Mecadon collected eight saves on the afternoon.
The Lions are back in action tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Lions Stadium, where they will face NJAC opponent Rutgers University-Camden.
On Saturday, Oct. 5, the men have another NJAC home game against William Paterson University.
