JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The Manhattanville University men's soccer team earned its second victory of the 2025 season in thrilling fashion, defeating New Jersey City University 2-1 on the road Wednesday afternoon.
After erasing a one goal deficit earlier in the second half, the Valiants advanced in the 89th minute when Johnny Antolino (Harrison, N.Y./Harrison) connected with Nico Del Vescovo (Flanders, N.J./Mount Olive), who buried the go-ahead strike to seal the 2-1 victory. The goal marked Del Vescovo's second of the season, both of which were game-winners, and capped off a strong outing for the senior forward.
The Valiants controlled much of the tempo in the opening 45 minutes, registering seven shots, including looks from Kenneth Suqui (Sleepy Hollow, N.Y./Sleepy Hollow), Alessio Scanapieco (Westerly, R.I./LaSalle Academy), and David Trujillo (Tampa, Fla./Plant). Despite multiple opportunities, Manhattanville was unable to find the back of the net. In the 42nd minute, Gerard Bocanegra slotted the opening goal to give the Gothic Knights a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Manhattanville wasted little time responding in the second half. Less than six minutes after the second half whistle, Velasquez-Osorio delivered the equalizer off a setup from Nickolas Pagan (Valley Stream, N.Y./Valley Stream North). The senior forward tallied his first goal of the season, sparking renewed momentum for the Valiants' attack. Trujillo, Alec Pineda (Yonkers, N.Y./Port Chester), and Antolino all tested NJCU goalkeeper Camilo Pascual Verdu throughout the half, as Manhattanville recorded 11 second-half shots compared to NJCU's four.
On the defensive end, AJ Lucas (Beacon, N.Y./Beacon) anchored the Valiants with three saves, including a critical stop just before halftime to prevent NJCU from doubling its advantage. Manhattanville's back line, featuring steady play from Luis Del Riego (Madrid, Spain/Rafa Nadal International) and Guido Sarango (Syracuse, N.Y./Nottingham), limited the Gothic Knights.
Overall, Manhattanville finished the match with a 14-9 advantage in shots and a 6-2 edge in shots on goal. The win evens the Valiants' record at 2-1, while NJCU falls to 0-2-1.
Up Next:
The Valiants will be on the road again this week to Hoboken, New Jersey, to face Stevens this Friday at 7 PM.
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