M. soccer drops opener in OT

New York University’s Men’s Soccer Team sputtered as it began its quest for its third straight NCAA Division III Championship appearance on Wednesday night, losing to Kean University of Union, N.J., 1-0 in overtime.

The Violets, who last season went to the NCAA Division III tournament for the second straight year after posting a 13-5-1 record, were cut down in their first game by a goal by Sergio Marchuk. Marchuk, a freshman forward for the Cougars, fired the game winner from 35 yards out 1:58 into the first overtime period, sailing just barely over the outstretched hands of NYU’s junior goalkeeper Marek Urbanski.

“They put everyone behind the ball after the last pass [before the shot],” senior defender and captain Devin Freeman-Roche said. “We just didn’t capitalize on the opportunities in the first half. After this game, we know what we need to work on though. We’ll work on it the rest of the week, and we’ll improve.”

Besides giving up the overtime goal, Urbanski provided a strong defense for the Violets, stopping 3 shots on a night when NYU (0-1-0) struggled on offense but still trumped Kean in many categories, taking 10 shots to Kean’s 5 and bettering the Cougars (1-1-1) 7-1 on corner kicks.

While play went back and forth throughout the first half, neither team could guide the ball into the goal. Senior forward Adam Dhanens had a great opportunity to score in the 36th minute of the first half before his shot narrowly sailed over the crossbar of Kean’s goal, which was defended well by Sophomore Alfredo Oquendo.

The game continued to be a defensive struggle in the second half, as neither team scored, and Oquendo saved a well placed header by Dhanens in the 53rd minute.
Kean University had two great opportunities to score during regulation, including in the 74th minute, but Dennis Correia missed the open goal to the right.

“It’s the early days of the season,” said NYU head coach Joe Behan, who began his 13th season at the team's helm last night. “The offense is something we need to work on.” When asked if the team would improve in time for Saturday’s game against Muhlenberg, the coach confidently replied, “Yep.”

It was a frustrating game for both sides, and the stress began to show in the 35th minute, as Senior Cory Wilson picked up a yellow card for unsportsmanlike play. In the second half Sebastian Baison, and Scott Lafontaine were also booked. On the other side, NYU’s skilled junior defender Brandon Hintz received a yellow card in the 69th minute.

The Violets will aim for their first victory of the season against Muhlenberg College on Saturday, September 6th. The home game will take place at 2 P.M. on the pitch at Manhattan College’s Gaelic Park. Directions to the game can be found on Manhattan College’s website at gojaspers.com

Trey Bonnell is a contributing writer. E-mail him at sports@nyunews.com.