From University of Chicago Athletics
Freshman Max Lopez snapped a scoreless tie early in the second half and two late tallies put the game out of reach as the University of Chicago men's soccer team defeated New York University 3-0 on Sunday afternoon.
The win improved the Maroons to 8-4-2 overall (1-2-1 UAA) while dropping the Violets to 4-10-0 (0-4-0 UAA). Additionally, after Sunday's contest the all-time series between UChicago and NYU is now tied at 13-13-3.
Though both teams kept each other off the scoreboard throughout the first half, UChicago was able to register eight shots on goal during the first 45 minutes of soccer. Freshman forward Mathew Koh accounted for three of those shots, while Lopez recorded two from his midfield position.
At almost exactly 50 minutes, the Maroons delivered the first goal of the game. Junior forward Brenton Desai whipped a big cross across the goal face and it was handled at the post by Koh, who coolly passed it to Lopez. The freshman promptly put the ball in the back of the net for his fourth goal of the season to give the Maroons a 1-0 lead.
Thirty-five minutes passed with the score remaining deadlocked at 1-0 before UChicago broke through for a crazy three minutes of soccer. First in the 86th minute, Koh dribbled up the right side and crossed to senior midfielder Peter Boxley, who finished the chance for his first goal of the year, giving Koh his second assist of the afternoon. Then, two minutes later in the 88th minute, senior midfielder Jorge Bilbao received a pass from junior midfielder Chris Mathis and dribbled up the field. From 30 yards out, the team captain unleashed a rocket of a shot that buried itself in the upper left corner, giving the Maroons an insurmountable 3-0 advantage.
Sophomore goalkeeper Hill Bonin (7-4-2 record) kept the Violets in check for all 90 minutes in goal. Bonin tied his season high for saves with eight. He also recorded his third shutout of the season and the 10th of his career.
UChicago outshot the Violets 21-15, while also recording 14 shots on goal compared to NYU's eight. The Maroons bested the corner kick comparison 5-1.