ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Powered by goals from seniors Mateo Bacigalupo (Buenos Aires, Argentina/Colegio Cardenal Newman) and Nicolás Cerda (Santiago, Chile/Andree English School) and junior Pau Ramon (Santa Ponca, Spain/Southeastern CC), the Mercy University Men's Soccer Team earned a 3-3 draw at regionally-ranked ECC foe Roberts Wesleyan University on Saturday afternoon at Roberts Stadium.
The Mavericks (4-5-4, 1-1-3 ECC) remain unbeaten in their last three games and earn a tie against the Redhawks (7-1-5, 3-0-2 ECC) for the first time since 2022.
The first half began with Mercy applying early pressure, evidenced by multiple corner kicks and shots on goal. Despite this offensive effort, Roberts Wesleyan took the lead in the 10th minute with a goal by Archie Murphy, assisted by Ewan O'Dwyer-Hall, putting the home team ahead.
Mercy maintained offensive pressure, consistently challenging the Redhawks' defense. Numerous shots were taken, with Ramon finding the back of the net in the 36th minute to equalize. Junior Mateo Sanchez (Anderson, S.C./Converse University) contributed defensively with crucial saves, keeping the score level. The first half concluded with the score tied at 1-1.
The second half began with Mercy capitalizing on an early opportunity, as Cerda scored in the 53rd minute with an assist from junior Mario de Roque Zazón (Zaragoza, Spain/Newman University), giving Mercy a 2-1 lead. However, Roberts Wesleyan quickly responded with two goals in succession, leveling the match through Iann Briones and then taking the lead with a goal by Murphy.
Mercy maintained pressure and found the equalizer in the 70th minute when Bacigalupo, assisted by senior Hugo Martin (Malaga, Spain/Rogers State University), scored to bring the game to 3-3. Both teams continued to exchange attacks, but neither could break the deadlock again. The game concluded with the score tied at 3-3.
Sanchez recorded five saves, maintaining a strong presence despite facing nine shots. Ramon scored his second goal of the year and Cerda found the back of the net with his first goal of the season. Bacigalupo tallied his third goal of the year. Martin recorded his first assist of the year and de Roque Zazón added his team-leading fourth assist of the season.
Murphy led the team with two goals, converting all three of his shots on goal. Briones contributed both a goal and an assist, scoring with his sole shot on target. Eric Jewson made a significant impact defensively, tallying nine saves throughout the match. O'Dwyer-Hall added to the team's offensive efforts with an assist.
Mercy held a 20-9 edge in shots, a 12-8 edge in shots on goal and a 9-2 edge in corner kicks.
In their next game, Mercy will travel to Sparkill, N.Y., to face St. Thomas Aquinas College on Wednesday, Oct. 22. The match is set to begin at noon.
