DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Powered by a game-high two goals from junior Mario de Roque Zazón (Zaragoza, Spain/Newman University) and the game-winning goal from junior Pau Ramon (Santa Ponca, Spain/Southeastern CC), the Mercy University Men's Soccer Team overcame a 2-0 deficit to earn a 3-2 win over University of Bridgeport on Saturday afternoon at Mercy Field.
The Mavericks (2-2) snap a two-game losing streak and defeat the Purple Knights (0-2-1) for the second straight time. The win is Head Coach Pedro Velazquez's 90th career win. He is currently 90-34-24 as the Mavericks' head coach.
The first half saw the Purple Knights taking an early lead with Kristians Prieditis scoring in the 6th minute, followed by a goal from Kaanturk Akgul at the 9th minute, putting them up 2-0. The Mavericks responded with de Roque Zazón scoring twice, first in the 18th minute off an assist from senior Matteo Azambuja (Paris, France/Eastern New Mexico University), and again in the 28th minute assisted by senior Mateo Bacigalupo (Buenos Aires, Argentina/Colegio Cardenal Newman), equalizing the score at 2-2. Mercy took the lead in the 43rd minute, with Ramon scoring the go-ahead goal, assisted by sophomore Marcos Landivar (Buenos Aires, Argentina/St. Thomas University) on a free kick, allowing the Mavericks to end the half leading 3-2.
The second half of the match between Mercy and the Purple Knights began with both teams fielding a fresh lineup. Senior Santiago Serrano (Bogota, Colombia/Rogers State University) was active early, taking a shot on goal in the 48th minute, which was saved by Midtlien. Despite the Mavericks' multiple corner kick opportunities, including two back-to-back in the 78th minute, they were unable to convert these into goals. Bridgeport applied pressure with a series of corner kicks in the final minutes, but Mercy's defense held firm, preserving their lead. The game concluded without any changes to the scoreline, ending with the Mavericks maintaining a 3-2 advantage.
Ramon scored the game-winning goal for the Mavericks and took three shots, all of which were on target. Junior Mateo Sanchez (Anderson, S.C./Converse University) recorded two saves in goal, contributing to the team's defensive efforts, earning his second win of the season. De Roque Zazón netted two goals, converting all three of his shots on goal. Bacigalupo and Azambuja added assists, helping to facilitate the team's offensive plays.
Midtlien was instrumental in goal for the Purple Knights, making seven saves over the course of the match. Prieditis found the back of the net, contributing one of the Purple Knights' goals with his two shots both on target. Akgul also added to the scoreline, matching Prieditis with one goal from two attempts, ensuring both shots were impactful.
Mercy held a 17-9 edge in shots and a 10-4 edge in shots on goal. Mercy also held an 11-4 edge in corner kicks.
The next challenge for Mercy sees them traveling to West Chester, Pa., where they will face West Chester. The match is set for Sept. 17 at 3 p.m.
