DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Despite a team-high four saves from senior Daniel Alvarez (Elmsford, N.Y./Alexander Hamilton), the No. 4 seeded Mercy University Men's Soccer Team dropped a 1-0 overtime decision to No. 5 seeded University of the District of Columbia in an East Coast Conference (ECC) Men's Soccer Championship First Round game on Wednesday afternoon at Mercy Field.
The Mavericks (7-6-5) see their season end with a winning record for the ninth straight season under Head Coach Pedro Velazquez. Mercy falls to the Firebirds (9-3-4) in the ECC Championship for the second straight year. The Mavericks dropped a 2-1 decision to UDC in the Semifinals last year. UDC will play at No. 1 seed Queens in a Semifinal matchup on Saturday, November 8th at 7 p.m.
The first half began with Mercy asserting early offensive pressure. Seniors Matteo Azambuja (Paris, France/Eastern New Mexico University) and Santiago Serrano (Bogota, Colombia/Rogers State University) each challenged the District of Columbia goalkeeper, Sergio Becerra, with multiple shots on target. Despite their aggressive attempts, Becerra maintained a clean sheet with several crucial saves.
Mercy continued to control the pace, earning corner kicks at the 4:56, 22:01, and 22:39 marks, while Alvarez made a key save against a shot from Brandon Johnson in the 30th minute. The half concluded with both teams unable to break through, ending in a scoreless draw.
The second half began with Mercy facing a challenge after receiving a red card in the 50th minute, leaving the team with ten players. Despite being shorthanded, they maintained pressure, with Serrano and junior Pau Ramon (Santa Ponca, Spain/Southeastern CC) both attempting shots that went wide.
As the half progressed, Mercy's defense, led by Alvarez, thwarted the District of Columbia's attempts, including a significant save in the 88th minute. Mercy also created opportunities on offense, but Becerra's saves kept the match scoreless. The half closed with a stalemate, ending with a 0-0 score, sending the game into overtime.
The overtime period began with both teams looking to break the deadlock. Mercy's defense, anchored by Alvarez, initially held strong, with Alvarez making critical saves against shots from George Shaw and Alexander Stevens-Lee. However, in the 100th minute, Mercy conceded when Alexander Moody-Stuart of the District of Columbia found the back of the net, assisted by Stevens-Lee. This goal gave the Firebirds a 1-0 win.
Serrano made his presence felt with five shots, three of which were on target. Azambuja was also active in the attack, contributing four shots with two on goal. In goal, Alvarez recorded four saves over 99 minutes. On the defensive end, Ramon managed two shots, with one being on target.
Becerra played a crucial role in goal, recording six saves and securing a shutout during his 99 minutes on the field. Moody-Stuart contributed significantly by scoring the game-winning goal, his only shot of the match finding the back of the net. Stevens-Lee made a notable impact by providing the team's only assist, contributing to the overall offensive efforts.
Mercy held a 12-9 edge in shots, a 6-5 edge in shots on goal and a 6-3 edge in corner kicks.
