From NYU Athletics
The New York University men's soccer team secured its second victory of the season on Wednesday evening, September 9, 1-0 at home against the City College of New York at Gaelic Park in Riverdale, NY.
The win was newly-minted Head Coach Kim Wyant's first at the helm of the NYU men's soccer program.
"It's always good to win, and it's even more sweet to win given our circumstances, so I'm very happy for the players," said Wyant.
The Violets (2-1) and Beavers (1-2) played in a defensive battle all night long and eventually headed to the lockerroom at the break in a scoreless tie, with NYU holding a 9-6 edge in shots.
The closest scoring chance of the first half came from the Violets in the 31st minute, as Nico Patrk had attempted a shot with the CCNY keeper out of the net. Just as the shot left his foot, a Beaver defender leaped in front to record the defensive save for the visitors.
NYU would not be held off the scoreboard for long though. In the 55th minute, Bryan Walsh took a pass down the far right sideline and sent a cross in front. Idy Watt's shot attempt went to the lower left corner, off CCNY keeper Maxwell Berkow, and hit the back of the twine for his first-ever NYU goal.
"We had worked in practice on getting the ball forward quickly when we get possession," continued Wyant. "Our transition in that situation was very good and we had been knocking on the door a lot previously so we finally broke through. It was a well deserved goal for the guys."
Overall, the Violets held the Beavers to just four shots -- one on goal -- in the second half, as Lucas Doucette was able to hold on for his first shutout of the season.
"The pressure's on when you're up 1-0, and he made a great save down the stretch," Wyant said. "His distribution was fantastic tonight and he was very good."
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Doucette recorded four saves in the victory.
- Malcolm Montilus notched four total shots, included one on net. Watt also attempted four shots, with two landing on net.
- Maxwell made three saves for CCNY, while Stephanos Hondrakis led them offensively with three shots (two on goal).