NEW YORK, N.Y. (NJCUGothicKnights.com) | New head coach Joe Cullen earned his first career victory at the helm of the New Jersey City University men's soccer team as the Gothic Knights cashed in on half of their scoring chances, defeating Baruch College, 2-0, in the season-opener for both schools on September 1 on Randall's Island.
 
NJCU (1-0-0) scored once in each half to win a season opener for the first time since the 2010 season. Baruch (0-1-0) outshot the Knights, 10-4.
 
The Gothic Knights jumped out in front of the Bearcats early. Off a corner kick in the 15th minute, Baruch failed to clear the loose ball inside the box, which allowed NJCU to take advantage of the defensive miscue as senior midfielder Davauni Brown (Newark, N.J./Newark Tech) put away the eventual game-winner with his fifth career goal. Baruch outshot NJCU 4-2 in the opening 45 minutes.
 
In his first game in an NJCU uniform, sophomore forward Omar Ventura (Fairview, N.J./Cliffside Park) doubled the visitor's lead in the 68th minute, firing an unassisted shot into the bottom left corner of the net.
 
Freshman goalkeeper Adam Cassidy (Jersey City, N.J./County Prep) made three saves to preserve the shutout in his collegiate debut. An NJCU defensive unit of senior and former All-NJAC back Gabriel Freitas (Kearny, N.J./Kearny), junior Luis Cruz (Princeton, N.J./West Windsor-Plainsboro South), and freshmen Maykol Bello (Elizabeth, N.J./Elizabeth) and Ryan Stelicos (East Brunswick, N.J./East Brunswick) solidified the new-look defensive unit.
 
Despite limited attacking opportunities, NJCU's finishing was on point. It scored on both shots on goal and its first goal came off its lone corner kick attempt of the night. Two Baruch keepers (Xavier Carrillo, 75 minutes; Victor Torres, 15 minutes) split time without stopping a shot.
 
#QUOTABLEKNIGHTS:
Head Coach Joe Cullen on NJCU's performance and his first career win: "The guys played hard and battled for their W tonight. There was nothing specific or particular that produced the win except they all bought in and fought hard for each other. We defended well as a group and finished when we got opportunities. I'm excited for this group to get started on the right foot with the W but we all know it's only one and we have much more to accomplish this season."
 
OF NOTE:

• NJCU leads the all-time series, 4-1 (20-4 goals differential).
• First shutout since October 18, 2014 (0-0 vs. Stockton).
• First shutout win since October 2, 2013 (2-0 vs. Kean).
• First road shutout win since September 5, 2012 (2-0 at CCNY).
• NJCU posted its 215th shutout in school history. NJCU is 198-0-17 all-time when the opponent doesn't score.

 
WHAT'S NEXT?
Cullen's squad is back in action this weekend at the CSI Soccer Fall Classic at the College of Staten Island. The Knights will face Purchase College (NY) at 12 p.m. on Saturday, September 3 before taking on Yeshiva University on Sunday (2 p.m.).