BUFFALO, N.Y. — Powered by a game-high two goals from senior Matteo Azambuja (Paris, France/Eastern New Mexico University), the Mercy University Men's Soccer Team earned a 2-1 win at ECC foe D'Youville University to secure an ECC Men's Soccer Championship berth on Saturday afternoon at Dobson Field.
The Mavericks (7-5-5, 3-1-4 ECC) have won two games in a row and are 5-0-2 in their last seven games. Mercy defeats the Saints (4-9-3, 2-5-1 ECC) for the first time since 2023. Mercy has secured their fourth straight ECC Championship berth and seventh in nine seasons. The Mavericks have secured the No. 4 seed in next week's championship and will host No. 5 seed District of Columbia in a First Round matchup on Wednesday, November 5th at a time to be announced. Today's win is also the 95th career win for Head Coach Pedro Velazquez.
The match began with the Saints pressing early, as Conor Livingstone's shot in the 2nd minute hit the left post. Mercy capitalized on their opportunities, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 24th minute with a goal from Azambuja. Mercy maintained offensive pressure, notching several corner kicks and shots on goal, including a saved attempt by junior Mathias Joergenrud (Oslo, Norway/Eastern New Mexico University) in the 32nd minute. D'Youville's Matthew Solorio and senior Daniel Alvarez (Elmsford, N.Y./Alexander Hamilton) each made key saves, keeping the score at 1-0 in favor of Mercy at the end of the first half.
Ethan Robinson of the Saints scored in the 47th minute to level the match at 1-1. Mercy responded quickly, taking the lead again in the 56th minute with a goal by Azambuja, assisted by junior John Hollis (Bradford, England/West Virginia Wesleyan College) and senior Santiago Serrano (Bogota, Colombia/Rogers State University). Mercy maintained control of the game despite several attempts from D'Youville, including a notable shot by Konrad Homberg in the 72nd minute that was saved by Alvarez. Mercy's defense held firm, securing a 2-1 victory at the end of the half.
Azambuja scored twice, including the game-winning goal, with both of his shots on target. Serrano contributed with an assist and managed two shots, one of which was on goal. Hollis also provided an assist, aiding the team's offensive efforts. Alvarez recorded four saves, playing the full 90 minutes and conceding only one goal, to earn the win in his first collegiate start.
Robinson was a standout for the Saints, scoring the team's only goal and leading with three shots, two of which were on target. Solorio contributed in goal with three saves, facing a total of 10 shots.
D'Youville held an 11-10 edge in shots, shots on goal were tied at 5-5 and Mercy held a 10-7 edge in corner kicks.
Head Coach Pedro Velazquez and the Mavericks resume action on Wednesday, November 5th when they host District of Columbia in an ECC Men's Soccer Championship First Round game at 1 p.m.
