Box Score

The New York University men's soccer team cruised to its first victory of the season with a 3-0 defeat of the City College of New York at Randall's Island on Saturday, September 4.

The Violets (1-1) controlled possession throughout the game and outshot the Beavers (0-2) 26-4 in a decisive win.

“We scored three goals and didn't let any in, so that's a big improvement (from last game),” said head coach Joe Behan.  “We were able to use everybody and go more into our depth.”

A pair of newcomers helped spark that improvement with first-half goals.  Sophomore Paolo Luciano started the scoring in the 14th minute when, after being dragged down just outside the box, he converted the ensuing free kick with a strike inside the left post.

Freshman Ian Cassell pushed NYU's lead to 2-0 in the final minute of the half with help from Luciano and sophomore Ronny Scardino.  Scardino sent a ball to Luciano near the box, and Luciano touched it past the defense to the streaking Cassell, who beat the keeper for his first career goal.

The Violets continued firing away at the net in the second half, finally expanding their lead in the 79th minute when senior Aria Vossoughi sent a cross from the right that found a wide-open Scardino at the left post for an easy header.

In addition to the offensive outburst, NYU played lockdown defense in the back, holding CCNY to just three shots on goal for the entire game.  Though he did not see much action in his first 45 minutes of collegiate play, sophomore goalkeeper Jonas Poster did charge to break up a dangerous threat with NYU's lead still at a 2-0, as well as turn away a rebound after a Beaver free kick struck the crossbar.

Freshmen Colm Dillane and Joseph Lee also saw their first career action.  Lee had several outstanding scoring chances in the second half, but could not convert.

The Violets return to action on Wednesday, September 8, against another New York City opponent, as they travel to the Metropolitan Oval in Queens to face Baruch College at 6 pm.