DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Powered by a game-high three saves from junior Mateo Sanchez (Anderson, S.C./Converse University), the Mercy University Men's Soccer Team opened ECC play with a 0-0 draw against The University of the District of Columbia on Saturday afternoon at Mercy Field.
The Mavericks (2-2-2, 0-0-1 ECC) earn their second straight draw, while the defending ECC Champion Firebirds (3-1-1, 0-0-1 ECC) record their first tie of the season.
The first half began with Mercy's defense remaining resolute as Sanchez made crucial saves, stopping attempts from Axel Gamez in the 14th minute and Ignacio Lopez in the 21st. Offensively, the Mavericks created opportunities, with senior Matteo Azambuja (Paris, France/Eastern New Mexico University) and junior Mario de Roque Zazón (Zaragoza, Spain/Newman University) both attempting shots early in the half. Despite a series of corner kicks by both teams, the score remained level at 0-0 by the end of the first half, with Mercy showing strategic defensive strength.
Mercy registered four shots in the first half, with attempts by Azambuja, de Roque Zazón, sophomore Santiago Dutilh (Santiago, Chile/Everest School), and Herman Borke (Asker, Norway/Doenski Videregaaende Skole), but none found the target. The Firebirds earned four corner kicks compared to the Mavericks' two, yet neither side broke through before halftime.
The second half began with an immediate offensive push from Mercy as senior Hugo Martin (Malaga, Spain/Rogers State University) took an early shot in the 46th minute, setting the tone for an active half. Despite multiple attempts, including shots from Borke and senior Nicolas Cerda (Santiago, Chile/Andree English School), both saved by UDC's goalkeeper Sergio Becerra, the Mavericks couldn't find the back of the net. Azambuja remained persistent, taking several shots toward the end of the half, but the solid defensive efforts from the Firebirds kept the score level at 0-0 by the close of the match.
Sanchez recorded a shutout with three saves in goal, preventing any scores during his 90 minutes on the field. Cerda contributed offensively with one shot on goal, testing the opposing goalkeeper. Martin added pressure with two shots, one of which was on target. Azambuja led the team in attempts, finishing with four shots in the match.
Becerra stood out in goal for the Firebirds, recording three saves and securing a shutout across 90 minutes of action. Lopez was active offensively, registering two shots with one on goal. Gamez contributed with one shot on goal, while Tsega Kebede also managed a shot on target, adding to the team's efforts in the attack.
Mercy held a 13-4 edge in shots, shots on goal were tied at 3-3 and corner kicks were tied at 5-5.
In their next game, the Mavericks will travel to Flushing, N.Y., to face Queens College on September 27. The match is set for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
