SPARKILL, N.Y. — Powered by a game-high two goals from junior John Hollis (Bradford, England/West Virginia Wesleyan College), the Mercy University Men's Soccer Team earned a 4-1 win at ECC foe St. Thomas Aquinas College on Wednesday afternoon at Spartan Field.
The Mavericks (5-5-4, 2-1-3 ECC) improve to .500 on the year and are 3-0-1 in their last four games. Mercy wins at the Spartans (6-5-2, 5-2 ECC) for the first time since 2018.
The first half began with Mercy maintaining early momentum, creating multiple chances including a header by junior Pau Ramon (Santa Ponca, Spain/Southeastern CC) that was saved by Dante Muntane. Mercy capitalized on this pressure when Hollis scored in the 7th minute, assisted by senior Mateo Bacigalupo (Buenos Aires, Argentina/Colegio Cardenal Newman), to give Mercy an early lead.
St. Thomas Aquinas responded quickly with a goal from Jorge De La Vibora in the 12th minute, leveling the score. Mercy regained the advantage in the 29th minute as Bacigalupo found the net, with assists from senior Hugo Martin (Malaga, Spain/Rogers State University) and junior Mario de Roque Zazón (Zaragoza, Spain/Newman University). Despite several attempts from both sides, including a key save by junior Mateo Sanchez (Anderson, S.C./Converse University), the half ended with Mercy leading 2-1.
The second half began with Mercy maintaining their momentum from the first half. De Roque Zazón capitalized on a chance in the 70th minute, extending the lead with a well-placed goal. Shortly after, Hollis further solidified the advantage, scoring in the 83rd minute with an assist from senior Matteo Azambuja (Paris, France/Eastern New Mexico University), making it 4-1.
Mercy's defense remained steadfast, with Sanchez making key saves, including a stop against Mika Leue in the 76th minute. The Spartans struggled to narrow the gap, unable to convert their opportunities into goals. The half concluded with Mercy securing a 4-1 victory, closing the game confidently.
Sanchez made seven saves, allowing just one goal in the match. Bacigalupo scored once and assisted another, with his goal being the game-winner. De Roque Zazón contributed with one goal and one assist, while leading his team with five shots, three of which were on target. Hollis scored two goals, finishing with three shots, with two on goal.
De La Vibora led the Spartans with one goal, firing five shots, three of which were on target. Muntane faced 11 shots, making seven saves across two halves. Kevon Evans contributed with an assist.
Mercy held a 21-17 edge in shots and an 11-8 edge in shots on goal. St. Thomas Aquinas held a 9-6 edge in corner kicks.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks will host the College of Staten Island for Senior Day on Saturday, Oct. 25, in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. The match will kick off at 11 a.m.
