PRINCE ATHLETIC COMPLEX – For the second time this season, the University of Rochester men's soccer team downed a top-10 opponent, with the Yellowjackets earning a 1-0 victory over 9th-ranked Emory University on Saturday afternoon at Edwin Fauver Stadium.
 
Sophomore EliJose Araujo scored the game's lone goal, connecting on a volley off a deflected throw-in during the 58th minute, and Rochester's defense and goalkeeper Santino Lupica-Tondo withstood an Emory rally attempt over the contest's final stretch to post the win.
 
Rochester's victory moves the Yellowjackets to 9-2-5 overall and 3-2-2 in the UAA, finishing the regular season tied for third in the conference standings. Emory, the 2023 UAA champion, ends its regular season with an 11-3-3 record and 5-2-0 mark in the conference.
 
The Yellowjackets opening shot of the game came in the 27th off the foot of Araujo after Nick Swanger provided a strong steal in the midfield. Araujo's attempt from the edge of the box was poked just wide of the net.
 
Another steal by a Rochester midfielder led to another Yellowjacket chance at the 28-minute mark. Tyler Moran stepped in front of a pass and fired a strike at the net from 20 yards, only to see the ball sail wide left.
 
Late in the opening half, Emory's Josh Grand wiggled free out of host of defenders to get a 1-on-1 opportunity with Lupica-Tondo at the edge of the crease. UR's senior keeper came up with a big point-blank save, keeping the game scoreless heading into intermission.
 
After halftime, Emory's Jaden Emoghene had the game's next good scoring look at 51:18 one-timing a long cross from the right side on frame. Once again, Lupica-Tondo came up with a diving stop to his right, with the score remaining 0-0.
 
Rochester took the lead six minutes later with Araujo's fourth tally of the season. Kol Bassuk picked up the assist on the play with his long throw in from the right side.
 
Holding onto the 1-0 lead now, the Yellowjackets defense looked to take over, trying to preserve the advantage. In the 62nd minute, Emory's Colton Myers settled down a high ball and ripped a low, skidding shot on goal, with Lupica-Tondo coming up with another save.
 
A free kick chance for the Eagles in the 79th minute led to a header attempt on goal by Jake Atallah, with UR's keeper making another one of his five saves on the day.
 
With the clock winding down, Myers had another golden opportunity to score heading a long service into the box off the right post, with Lupica-Tondo scooping up the rebound, preserving the shutout.
 
Rochester's clean sheet is the 18th of Lupica-Tondo's career, moving the senior into fourth place all-time in Yellowjacket men's soccer history. His win was the 22nd over his three seasons, also sitting inside UR's top-10 all-time.

Prior to the game, Rochester's seniors, Lupica-Tondo, Swanger, Moran, Santi Ponce Ocampo, Charlie Shanks, Othman Belhseine, Matt Cosentino, Joe Anderson, Max Lebbern and manager Vanessa Velas Romero were honored with their families during a Senior Day ceremony celebrating their effort and dedication over the last four years with the program.
 
The Yellowjackets will now await word on earning a potential at-large bid into the NCAA Division III Tournament, with selections being announced on Monday afternoon. The 2023 national tournament kicks off next weekend.