The NYU men’s soccer team suffered their first defeat of the season on Wednesday afternoon, with a score of 2-1 to New Jersey City University, in Jersey City, N.J. Senior forward Kyle Green scored the Violets’ first and only goal in the 80th minute, as NYU took a 1-0 lead and looked to be in charge after a disappointing hour and 20 minutes of play. It was Green’s ninth goal of the season, and he received an assist from fellow senior Paolo Luciano. The goal was a strong one that was blasted past the keeper from 16 yards out. But in the end there just wasn’t enough offense to get past the stout Jersey City team.
With only a little over five minutes to play, NJCU scored the equalizer goal, which was
headed in by freshman midfielder, Alec Metsch. Less than two minutes later, NJCU scored the winning goal, tapped in by senior midfielder Nana Kofi Kusi for his fifth goal of the year.
Paolo Luciano, a forward, said the team was not surprised by the loss.
“We weren’t shocked or surprised by it. As soon as we stepped on the field, we knew what we were getting into,” he said. “It’s between [University Athletic Association] games, and it wasn’t a game to get all workd up about. We’re glad the loss came now, we’re ready for UAA.”
He added that the team had a few key players out, including sophomore midfielder Nimo Bergstroem. They also tried players out in new spots.
Sophomore midfielder Mac Yumoto, who has three assists and two goals so far this season, was unable to play due to an injury. Yumoto said the team will move forward from the loss.
“We’re obviously disappointed to lose after a terrific start to the season, but I’m sure we will use this loss as motivation,” Yumoto said. “Soccer’s a tricky game, and today NJCU played great.”
This loss comes after the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll ranked the men’s team sixth and moving up from eighth to seventh on D3soccer.com. NYU was one of four DIII teams to be undefeated. With a 9-1 record, the Violets will take on UAA rivals, University of Rochester at home on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 1:30 p.m.
A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Oct. 4 print edition. Sara Levy is a deputy sports editor. Email her at [email protected].