FLUSHING, N.Y. — Despite goals from seniors Santiago Serrano (Bogota, Colombia/Rogers State University) and Mateo Bacigalupo (Buenos Aires, Argentina/Colegio Cardenal Newman) and a career-high eight saves from junior Mateo Sanchez (Anderson, S.C./Converse University), the Mercy University Men's Soccer Team dropped a 3-2 decision at ECC foe Queens College on Saturday night at Knights Field.
The Mavericks (2-3-2, 0-1-1 ECC) suffer their first ECC regular season loss since September 24, 2022, while the Knights (5-1-2, 1-0-1 ECC) defeat Mercy in the regular season for the first time since 2015.
The game between Mercy and Queens commenced with Mercy taking an early advantage. Serrano scored for Mercy in the 16th minute, securing a 1-0 lead. Sanchez made several critical saves, including three key stops against shots from Queens, maintaining Mercy's slender lead throughout the half.
Mercy continued to press, with sophomore Santiago Dutilh (Santiago, Chile/Everest School) and Bacigalupo each testing the Queens' goalkeeper, Thanasis Shehadeh, who managed to deny both attempts. Despite Queens' efforts to equalize, Mercy's defense remained steadfast. The half concluded with Mercy holding a 1-0 lead.
The second half began with Queens quickly taking charge, as Tommy Wagner scored in the 49th minute, assisted by Carlos Villa, tying the score at 1-1. Mercy had an opportunity to equalize shortly thereafter with a penalty kick by sophomore Juan Gonzalez (Paterson, N.J./NJIT), but it was saved by Shehadeh. Queens took the lead with a goal from Miguel Soto Gonzalez in the 51st minute, assisted by Jason Udo, making it 2-1.
Mercy responded in the 61st minute when Bacigalupo found the back of the net, leveling the score at 2-2. Despite Mercy's efforts, including multiple attempts that hit the post, a goal by Queens' Bradyn Brown in the 76th minute, assisted by Shehadeh, regained the lead for Queens. The half concluded with Mercy unable to find an equalizer, giving the Knights the 3-2 win.
Sanchez recorded eight saves for Mercy during the match, with four saves in each half. Bacigalupo scored a goal, contributing to his total of two shots on target. Serrano also found the net, finishing with three shots, one of which was on goal. Gonzalez managed a shot on goal, adding pressure to the opposing defense.
Wagner scored once and led the defense with a goal on his only shot, which was on target. Miguel Soto Gonzalez also found the back of the net, scoring one goal and converting both of his shots on goal. Bradyn Brown contributed significantly with a goal, a game-winner, and attempted five shots, four of which were on goal. Shehadeh, as goalkeeper, recorded three saves while also providing an assist, playing the full 90 minutes and facing eight shots.
Queens held a 16-8 edge in shots, an 11-5 edge in shots on goal and a 6-5 edge in corner kicks.
In their next game, the Mavericks will host Molloy University on October 1. The matchup is set for a 2 p.m. kickoff in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
