DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Powered by goals from seniors Hugo Martin (Malaga, Spain/Rogers State University) and Mateo Bacigalupo (Buenos Aires, Argentina/Colegio Cardenal Newman), the Mercy University Men's Soccer Team earned a 2-0 win over ECC foe Daemen University on Saturday afternoon at Mercy Field.
The Mavericks (3-5-3, 1-1-2 ECC) earn their first ECC win of the season and improve to 12-0 all-time against the Wildcats (1-11, 0-4 ECC).
The first half began with Mercy asserting control early, capitalizing on a penalty kick by Martin in the 3rd minute to take a 1-0 lead. The Mavericks maintained the offensive pressure, generating multiple shots, though Daemen's goalkeeper, Dylan Delaney, made key saves to keep the visitors in the game. Junior Mateo Sanchez (Anderson, S.C./Converse University) provided a crucial save for Mercy, denying Sujan Rajamohan near the midpoint of the half. As the half closed, the Mavericks held their advantage, leading 1-0 at the break.
The second half began with a pivotal moment as Mercy extended their lead in the 53rd minute through a goal by Bacigalupo, making it 2-0. Following this, the Mavericks maintained offensive pressure with several shots on target, including attempts by seniors Matteo Azambuja (Paris, France/Eastern New Mexico University) and Nicolas Cerda (Santiago, Chile/Andree English School), though they were thwarted by Delaney.
Defensively, Sanchez was instrumental in preserving the lead, saving shots from Karim Salome and Axel Lozoya. Mercy held firm, closing the half with a solid defensive stand. The match concluded with the Mavericks securing a 2-0 victory.
Bacigalupo scored one goal from two shots, both on target, contributing significantly to the Mavericks' offensive efforts. Martin added to the tally with a goal, which was the game-winner, converting one of his two shots on goal. Azambuja led the team in shot attempts, recording five shots with three on goal. In goal, Sanchez secured the shutout victory with three saves over 90 minutes.
Delaney stood out for Daemen, recording nine saves during the match, including four in the first half and five in the second. Lozoya contributed with one of the team's few offensive attempts, registering a shot on goal. Rajamohan also added a shot on goal, providing additional pressure on the opposition's defense.
Mercy held a 19-8 edge in shots, an 11-3 edge in shots on goal and an 8-2 edge in corner kicks.
The next challenge for the Mavericks arrives on October 15, as they host Pace University in a noon matchup in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
