The New York University men's soccer team traveled to Cleveland for its first University Athletic Association (UAA) road contest of the season and defeated host Case Western Reserve University 3-0 on Saturday, October 6.

The Violets improved to 8-2-0 overall with the win and evened their UAA record at 1-1-0, while the #21 (United Soccer Coaches poll) Spartans are now 9-2-1 on the season and 0-1-1 in UAA action.

Senior Alexander Dano had the best offensive performance of his career, assisting on an Owen Smith goal in the first half and finding the back of the net himself early in the second half.

"Dano had an unbelievable week in practice coming into today's match," said NYU Head Coach Kim Wyant. "He earned a starting role today and proved us right with a high-level performance."

Smith's tally, his fourth of the season, came with just over 10 minutes left in the first half. Dano received the ball on the far wing and crossed a pass into the box, which Smith redirected past Case Western Reserve goalkeeper Charlie Fink.

The Spartans had their best offensive chance of the afternoon just before halftime, but NYU goalkeeper Grant Engel was able to turn the shot aside and keep the Violets in front heading into halftime.

"At halftime, we talked about continuing to be aggressive," added Wyant. "We didn't want to come out and sit on the lead for 45 minutes."

Dano was just that, aggressive, as he doubled the NYU lead to 2-0 in the 50th minute when he dribbled up the sideline and fired a rocket past Fink from well outside the box. It was his first goal of the season.

Maxi Rodriguez added an insurance goal for the Violets later in the second half, putting a shot past Fink in the 84th minute to erase any doubt in the final result.

The Violets controlled play throughout Saturday's victory, outshooting the Spartans 18-14, including 8-3 in shots on goal.

Engel saved all three of the Spartans shots on goal en route to his fourth shutout of the season, while Fink saved five of eight chances.

"We have a real solid team and I'm looking forward to getting back on the field this week and continuing to play our game," concluded Wyant.

The Violets return to action when they take on Sarah Lawrence College on Tuesday, October 9, at Gaelic Park in Riverdale, NY. Kickoff is slated for 7pm.