DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Powered by a game-high-tying two saves from junior Mateo Sanchez (Anderson, S.C./Converse University), the Mercy University Men's Soccer Team earned a 0-0 draw against ECC foe College of Staten Island on Senior Day in a Making Strides Versus Cancer Pink Game on Saturday afternoon at Mercy Field.
In a ceremony prior to the game, Mercy honored seniors Daniel Alvarez (Elmsford, N.Y./Alexander Hamilton), Mathias Joergenrud (Oslo, Norway/Eastern New Mexico University), Nicolás Cerda (Santiago, Chile/Andree English School), Mateo Bacigalupo (Buenos Aires, Argentina/Colegio Cardenal Newman), Hugo Martin (Malaga, Spain/Rogers State University), Santiago Serrano (Bogota, Colombia/Rogers State University), Matteo Azambuja (Paris, France/Eastern New Mexico University), Charles Lorenz (Copiague, N.Y./St. John the Baptist Diocesan) and Mohamed Souhail (Bologna, Italy/Monroe CC) for their contributions to the program.
The Mavericks (5-5-5, 2-1-4 ECC) are now 3-0-2 in their last five games and earn a 0-0 draw against the Dolphins (1-7-5, 0-5-2 ECC) for the third time in four seasons.
The match commenced with both teams vying for early control. Mercy quickly established attacking opportunities with a shot by junior Pau Ramon (Santa Ponca, Spain/Southeastern CC) in the 10th minute and multiple attempts from Serrano, including a saved effort in the 16th minute. Despite these efforts, the first half concluded with the score remaining 0-0, as the Dolphins' defense held firm.
Throughout the first half, Mercy maintained pressure, earning four corner kicks and attempting several shots, while Staten Island attempted to counter but was unable to capitalize on their chances. The half ended with the score still tied, setting up a competitive second half.
The second half opened with Mercy maintaining a strong defensive stance, highlighted by Sanchez's critical save in the 61st minute on a shot from Kareem Madito. This defensive effort was complemented by Mercy's attempts to break the deadlock, including shots from sophomore Santiago Dutilh (Santiago, Chile/Everest School) and junior John Hollis (Bradford, England/West Virginia Wesleyan College), although these efforts did not find the net.
Mercy's defensive resilience continued as Sanchez made another significant save against William Lopez in the 80th minute. Despite numerous attempts from both teams, including multiple shots by junior Mario de Roque Zazón (Zaragoza, Spain/Newman University), the half ended without a goal, maintaining a 0-0 scoreline at the end of the game.
Sanchez played a key role by making two saves in the shutout. De Roque Zazón was active on the attack, taking two shots during the match. Ramon contributed with one shot. Serrano added pressure with two shots, including one on goal.
Carlos Romero Astacio played a full match in goal, securing a shutout with two saves on eight shots faced. Lopez made an impact with two shots, including one on goal. Madito also added offensive pressure with one shot on goal.
Shots were tied at 8-8, shots on goal were tied at 2-2 and Mercy held a 4-3 edge in corner kicks.
The next challenge for the Mavericks is a trip to Springfield, Mass., where they will face American International College on Wednesday, October 29. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m.
