Box Score

Paolo Luciano's second-half goal lifted the #24 New York University men's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over the University of Chicago on Friday night, October 29 in Chicago, IL.

 

The win kept the Violets (10-2-3, 3-0-2) alone atop the standings of the University Athletic Association (UAA). Second-place Washington University also won, defeating Brandeis University 4-1, setting up a showdown between the UAA's top two teams – who are separated by just a point – on Sunday.

 

The victory also ended a long drought for NYU in Chicago. The Violets came in 0-6-1 in their previous seven trips, with the last three losses all coming by one goal, including a heartbreaker in their last visit when the Maroons tied the score with 2:38 remaining and won in overtime. NYU's last win in Chicago came in 1993, when current head coach Joe Behan was a player for the squad.

 

“When the last ball went through and it was bouncing around, memories of when they nipped us for the UAA title in 2008 came back,” said Behan. “Winning on the road in the UAA is extremely difficult, and not only is that a tough environment, but they are a very good side.”

 

Luciano's game winner came in the 65th minute. Colm Dillane lobbed a high pass to the sophomore, who beat his defender, forcing the goalkeeper to charge. Luciano volleyed a high, left-footed shot over the keeper and into the back of the net for his ninth goal of the season.

 

“That was a great goal,” commented Behan. “Very well taken and well played by Colm. He gave us that extra spark in the second half.”

 

NYU needed that extra spark after a hard-fought and even first half. But the Violets took over early in the second. Just 90 seconds in Luciano was taken down and then struck the ensuing free just wide off the right side of the net. Dillane had a great chance just minutes later, taking a back pass from Kyle Green and ripping a hard shot that was saved by the diving Maroon (7-7-1, 1-3-1) keeper.

 

In the 60th minute Michael Burke played a perfect ball from the left into the box that Green headed just wide with the keeper drawn out.

 

Five minutes later Luciano finally broke through, and the Violet defense played the lockdown defense it did all half. Chicago's two best chances both came in the final 15 minutes and were both blocked by NYU defenders, including one by Ethan Evans on a point-blank shot.

 

Goalkeeper Matt Stieve needed to make just one save to extend his scoreless streak to 515:25, while recording his fifth straight shutout and seventh of the season – third most in a season in school history. Through five UAA games the Violets have still yet to concede a goal.

 

“We've gone 490 minutes in the UAA without allowing a goal,” noted Behan. “That has us where we are right now.”

 

The Violets will look to stay where they are – in first place – on Sunday with their big showdown with 12th-ranked Washington. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 pm central.