PRINCE ATHLETIC COMPLEX – The University of Rochester Yellowjackets secured their first victory of the 2024 season, defeating the Alvernia University Golden Wolves 1-0 at Edwin Fauver Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The action began with a shot from Alvernia's Joshue Avila, which was saved by Rochester goalie
Santino Lupica-Tondo five minutes into the first half. UR quickly responded with a goal opportunity of their own when Grant Farill's shot bounced off the crossbar.
At the 18-minute mark of the first half,
Milos Bisenic had a scoring opportunity off a cross from the opposite side of the field, but his shot missed wide to the right. Alvernia's Ryan Cogill answered with a chance of his own, dribbling deep into Rochester territory and hitting the right post, leaving the score 0-0 with 17 minutes left in the half.
In the 40th minute
Alessio Cristanetti-Walker had a near goal opportunity after
EliJose Araujo set him up with a chance in front of the goal. The shot was saved by Alvernia goalie, Evan Solley, taking the teams into halftime scoreless.
Kamal Ibrahim kicked off the second half scoring chances with a first header attempt missing wide right off a cross from
Mikey Burke. Shortly after, Ibrahim had another opportunity in the box, which was saved by the Alvernia keeper.
Rochester scored the only goal of the match five minutes into the second half when Burke delivered a cross into the box, and Ibrahim headed it into the top left corner of the goal, putting UR up 1-0.
Nick Swanger also earned an assist on the play, swinging a pass out to Burke on the wing.
Rochester moves to 1-1-1 with the win, Alvernia falls to 2-1-1 on the year. The win marked
Ben Cross' first victory as a collegiate coach.
Rochester's offensive efforts were led by Ibrahim and Cristanetti-Walker, who combined for 10 shots, outshooting Alvernia's team total.
Yellowjackets outshot the Golden Wolves 19-9 overall, with UR registering eight shots on goal compared to Alvernia's two. Rochester also held the advantage in corner kicks, 5-3.
UR keeper Lupica-Tondo finished the match with two saves, while Alvernia's Solley recorded seven.
Rochester men's soccer continues their 2024 campaign with a cross-town matchup against RIT on Tuesday evening at Tiger Stadium.