After a season-opening draw yesterday, New York University's Men's Soccer Team bounced back with force this afternoon as they defeated host Stockton University, 4-0, at the Stockton Classic in Galloway, NJ. Rookie forward Rafael Panero-Ren (San Diego, CA/Canyon Crest Academy) netted his first two collegiate goals to lead the Violets (1-0-1), who scored three second-half tallies to secure the victory.

"We knew the areas that we could improve on to get goals and we knew the urgency and importance of getting goals," said Head Coach Kim Wyant. "I think we were really laser-focused on that and it paid off. As far as our defense, it's always solid with a lot of leadership and I'm enormously proud of two clean sheets this weekend."

Panero-Ren got the scoring started just three minutes before intermission on the team's fifth shot of the game, tapping in a loose ball in front of the net. The Violets' stout back line of senior captains Isaiah Boyd (Charlotte, NC/Mallard Creek), Louis Meeks (Ann Arbor, MI/Greenhills School) and Pablo Vargas (Weston, FL/Cypress Bay) limited the Ospreys (3-1) to just two shots in the first half and six total for the game.

"I don't know how to describe it, it feels so good. It's nothing like I've ever felt before," said Panero-Ren. "It's a lot harder to get chances at this level. I feel so lucky to have gotten those chances because they come so few and far between."

Arkan Tahsildaroglu (Istanbul, Turkey/Berkshire School (MA)) padded NYU's lead with a goal off a cross from Oliver Kleban (Denver, CO/Blind Brook) in the 62nd minute. It was Tahsildaroglu's first collegiate goal and gave the Violets a 2-0 edge. Kleban got in on the action less than two minutes later, scoring on a penalty kick for the senior's 12th career goal.

Panero-Ren concluded the strong offensive showing in the 74th minute, taking a pass from Talal Said (Amman, Jordan/King's Academy) for another NYU tally. The Violets out-shot Stockton 10-6 and led 4-2 on corner kicks, while NYU goalkeeper Luca Mancuso (Miami, FL/Montverde Academy) saved both shots he saw on goal for his second shutout in as many games.

"I couldn't be happier. Compared to the first two games of last season it's completely the opposite," said Mancuso. "We fought hard and played very well. Our defense was on lock."

The team will look to carry this momentum into its next contest on Saturday, September 11, at Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ. Kickoff is set for noon.