DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Despite a career-high six saves from senior Daniel Alvarez (Elmsford, N.Y./Alexander Hamilton), the Mercy University Men's Soccer Team dropped a 5-0 decision to No. 23 Wilmington University on Wednesday afternoon at Mercy Field.
The Mavericks (2-5-3) have dropped two games in a row and fall to the Wildcats (6-1-3) for the first time since 2023.
The first half started with Mercy pushing forward aggressively, as seniors Matteo Azambuja (Paris, France/Eastern New Mexico University) and Santiago Serrano (Bogota, Colombia/Rogers State University) both quickly tested Wilmington's goalkeeper, Emil Lollike, with early shots. Despite Mercy's offensive efforts, Wilmington took the lead in the 3rd minute with a goal by Michiharu Takanashi, assisted by Shuntaro Morimoto. Senior Hugo Martin's (Malaga, Spain/Rogers State University) subsequent attempt was also thwarted by Lollike, maintaining Wilmington's advantage.
Mercy continued to apply pressure, with junior Mario de Roque Zazón (Zaragoza, Spain/Newman University), Serrano, and senior Mateo Bacigalupo (Buenos Aires, Argentina/Colegio Cardenal Newman) each forcing saves from Lollike. However, Wilmington extended their lead with a goal from Theo Faillon in the 15th minute, assisted by Alex Tarway, and added a third with a penalty kick converted by Faillon in the 19th minute. Junior Mateo Sanchez (Anderson, S.C./Converse University) denied another attempt from Wilmington's Jacques Mason to keep the score from widening further.
As the period drew to a close, Mercy's offensive persistence was evident but not converted into goals, with Bacigalupo striking the post in the 27th minute. The first half ended with Wilmington leading 3-0.
The second half began with Mercy searching for an offensive breakthrough, creating opportunities but meeting resistance from Lollike, who made multiple saves, including attempts by sophomore Santiago Dutilh (Santiago, Chile/Everest School) and de Roque Zazón. Defensive efforts by Alvarez in goal kept Mercy in the match, notably saving shots from Wilmington's Tarway and Takanashi.
Halfway through the period, Wilmington capitalized on their opportunities, with Takanashi scoring in the 67th minute and Faillon extending the lead shortly after. Mercy continued to press forward but was unable to find the back of the net, with Wilmington maintaining control through to the end of the match. The game concluded with Wilmington earning the 5-0 win.
Alvarez recorded six saves in the second half, providing a strong defensive presence for Mercy. Bacigalupo led the team in shots, tallying four attempts with one on target. De Roque Zazón was active offensively, making five shots, including three on goal, to challenge the opposing goalkeeper.
Lollike recorded 11 saves and secured a shutout in a decisive performance as Wilmington's goalkeeper. Takanashi contributed significantly to the offense with two goals, including the game-winner, and led the team with five shots, three of which were on goal. Faillon achieved a hat trick, scoring three goals from six shots, all on target, and converted a penalty kick. Small, Themsfeldt, and Morimoto each added an assist, supporting Wilmington's offensive efforts.
Mercy held a 21-17 edge in shots and Wilmington held a 13-11 edge in shots on goal. Mercy held an 8-5 edge in corner kicks.
Looking ahead, Mercy will host Daemen University (N.Y.) on October 11. The match will kick off at noon in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
