DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — The Warriors spent their season opener in an evenly-matched contest until a late goal from
Jeter Cardona gave ESU the late lead to defeat Mercy, 1-0, on Thursday evening.
HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Warriors kicked off the game aggressively with
Jace Seara taking the first shot before the two-minute mark which was saved by Sean Green. The Mavericks retaliated with a shot attempt of their own a few minutes later. The back and forth continued into the 12th minute as
Phil Sykes saved a Mercy shot, allowing ESU to drive down field and take another shot at Green.
• It took until the 21st minute for either team to create an attack as it was the Warriors acting relentlessly. Seara and
Miguel Velez ripped back-to-back shots within a minute of each other, both saved by Green. Mercy tried to answer with a strong offense of their own, but their pair of shots failed to connect with the net. ESU and the Mavericks ended the first half with complimenting shots, but both teams remained scoreless.
• The heavy attack of both teams continued into the second half of play, with Sykes making a save just thirty seconds in and Seara taking a shot on goal minutes after. In the 51st minute, Mercy went for another go at Sykes, but the Junior stretched high to make the save. The Maverick's best chance at scoring came in the 63rd minute with a shot getting through the defenders but was stopped by the post.
• Neither team could muster any substantial offense until five minutes remained in the game. An ESU free kick drew the goalie out of the box, allowing Cardona to swoop in and score the first goal of the game. The Warriors' defense prevented any attack, holding on for the win.
GAME NOTES
• Cardona's late-game goal was the first of his career in his collegiate debut.
• ESU made their offensive attack known in the first half, putting up five shots on goal while Mercy had just one. In total the Warriors put up 11 shots with seven of those being on goal.
• ESU's offense proved to be vast as six different players recorded a shot. Of them, it was Seara and Cardona leading the way, each putting up three. For Seara, all three of his shots were on target, making him the only player in the game to reach that mark.
•
Jose Rosario was given a red card from the sidelines, meaning he will not be able to play the next game against Gannon.
UP NEXT
The Warriors will stay on the road as they travel to Erie, Pa. to take on No. 11 Gannon at 12 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30.
