JERSEY CITY, N.J. - In a thrilling clash on Friday, Aug. 30, the New Jersey City University men's soccer team kicked off their season with an intense 3-2 victory over Saint Elizabeth at Robert L. McNulty Memorial Soccer Field.

The Gothic Knights, eager to start their season on a high note, didn't waste any time. Fifth year forward Jorkaef Fallas (North Bergen, N.J./Hudson Catholic) set the tone early with a solo effort goal in the 12th minute. Just 12 minutes later, sophomore forward Emmanuel Atorkui (Union, N.J./Northstar Academy) doubled the lead, courtesy of an assist from fifth year midfielder Thiago Duarte (Newark, N.J./Newark East Side). The Eagles managed to claw one back in the 31st minute, but NJCU maintained their momentum. 

Coming out of halftime with renewed energy, the Gothic Knights continued to be dominant. Junior midfielder Jona Caballero (Union City, N.J./Jose Marti STEM Academy) delivered a perfect pass to Duarte, who netted the ball in the 47th minute. But Saint Elizabeth, undeterred, added a second goal in the 56th minute, intensifying the final stretch of the match. Despite the Eagles' efforts to cut the deficit, NJCU held their ground and celebrated their first win of the 2024 campaign. 

Highlights:
- The Gothic Knights outshot the Eagles, 10-3, in on-target goals. 
- Duarte and Atrokui accounted for seven of the shots on goal.
- Freshman Dominic Cunha (Rahway, N.J./Rahway) made his collegiate debut in goal, playing 90 minutes with a lone save.
- Freshmen Cunha, midfielder Denilson Salinas (Callao, Peru/Kearny)a and back Hans Zoller (Guayaquil, Ecuador/Kearny), along with fifth year back Anthony Salmeron (North Bergen, N.J./North Bergen) played the full 90 minutes.

Up Next: 
Catch the Gothic Knights in action as they host Manhattanville on Wednesday, September 4, at 7:00 p.m.