By Ann Brunn
Staff Writer
The men’s soccer team finished in a scoreless tie with Stockton University in double overtime on Oct. 23.
In the 11th minute, Stockton had the opportunity to capitalize on a Lions’ penalty, but junior goalkeeper Daniel Mecadon blocked the attempt.
Sophomore defenseman Dante Bettino sent a shot toward goal in the 22nd minute, but Stockton’s goalkeeper saved it. Mecadon was challenged again in the 36th minute, but he was able to maintain the 0-0 score. Mecadon headlined the second half with key saves in the 69th, 70th and 86th minutes, which kept the match scoreless and ultimately sent it into overtime.
In the 97th minute, junior midfielder Ryan Vazquez sent a header in, but it was deflected by the Stockton goalkeeper. Neither team was able to break the scoreless tie, and the match ended in a draw. With the tie, the men moved to 10-2-4 overall and 2-1-4 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, the men fell to Montclair State University by a score of 3-1. Montclair State scored first in the fourth minute. It had another chance to score in the 27th minute, but the shot was pushed left by a diving Mecadon.Moments later, Montclair State almost scored again, but senior defenseman Matt Decker came up with a sliding save to keep the Lions’ deficit at 1-0.
Scoring again in the 49th minute, Montclair State held the 2-0 advantage over the Lions. However, in the 64th minute, junior defenseman Dylan Teixeira was able to draw a penalty kick, which senior midfielder Michael Maltese connected on after it was initially stopped by Montclair State’s goalkeeper. The score gave the Lions their first and only goal of the match.
At halftime, the College honored seniors Matt Decker, Michael Maltese, Sam Monaco and student manager John Berardi. Near the end of the match, the men were inches away from tying the game in the 79th minute with headers from Vazquez and senior midfielder Sam Monaco. However, they were unable to capitalize. Montclair State scored again in the 85th minute and came out victorious 3-1.With the loss, the Lions fell to 10-3-4 overall and 2-2-4 in NJAC play.
The Lions close out their regular season tonight at Rowan University at 7 p.m.
