DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Despite a game-high seven saves from junior Mateo Sanchez (Anderson, S.C./Converse University), the Mercy University Men's Soccer Team dropped a 1-0 decision to Southern Connecticut State University on Saturday afternoon at Mercy Field.
The Mavericks (2-4-3) fall to the Owls (4-2-2) for the first time since 2022.
The first half began with Mercy establishing an offensive presence early, as senior Matteo Azambuja (Paris, France/Eastern New Mexico University) took a shot just two minutes into the match, though it went wide. The Mavericks continued to pressure Southern Conn. St. with several corner kicks throughout the half, creating multiple opportunities but unable to convert. Sanchez proved crucial in goal, making multiple saves, including consecutive stops against Jake Novoshelski in the 33rd minute.
Despite Mercy's consistent attacking efforts and defensive resilience, the first half concluded with both teams locked in a scoreless draw.
The second half opened with Southern Conn. St. applying pressure, but Sanchez made a crucial save against Kasper Murzinski's shot in the 48th minute. The Mavericks responded with offensive efforts as senior Hugo Martin (Malaga, Spain/Rogers State University) and Azambuja both attempted shots, though Diego Flores saved both attempts for Southern Conn. St.
As play continued, juniors Mario de Roque Zazón (Zaragoza, Spain/Newman University) and John Hollis (Bradford, England/West Virginia Wesleyan College) each had opportunities but couldn't convert. Southern Conn. St. broke the deadlock in the 79th minute with a goal by Jeremy Martin, assisted by Samuel Sandler. Mercy pushed to level the score with late efforts from sophomore Santiago Dutilh (Santiago, Chile/Everest School), but Flores maintained the Owls' lead. The game concluded with Southern Conn. St. leading Mercy, 1-0.
Sanchez recorded seven saves, keeping the scoreline close with five in the first half. Sanchez recorded his 100th career save. Azambuja led the team in offensive efforts with four shots, three of which were on target. Junior Pau Ramon (Santa Ponca, Spain/Southeastern CC) contributed defensively with two shots, including one on goal. Martin added to the attack with two shots during the match.
Flores delivered a standout performance for Southern Conn. St., recording six saves and securing a shutout in his 90 minutes as goalkeeper. Jeremy Martin contributed significantly on offense, scoring the game-winning goal with his only shot, which was on target. Sandler also made his mark by providing the team's sole assist, aiding in Martin's crucial goal.
Mercy held a 14-10 edge in shots and Southern Conn. St. held an 8-6 edge in shots on goal. Mercy held an 8-3 edge in corner kicks.
In their next game, Mercy will host Wilmington University (Del.) on October 8. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
