RIVERDALE, N.Y. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) men's soccer team fell 3-1 in a non-conference match against the University of Mount Saint Vincent (UMSV) on Saturday, Sept. 7. The Dolphins struck early and secured the victory despite a strong offensive showing from the Gothic Knights.

UMSV (1-0-1) took control early, scoring two goals within the first ten minutes. NJCU (2-1) dominated possession and outshot the Dolphins 9-5 in the first half, but were unable to find the back of the net. Despite four of five first-half Gothic Knight corner kicks resulting in shots on goal, UMSV's goalkeeper was up to the challenge, making several crucial saves.

In the 54th minute, NJCU senior defender Joao Aufran (Itatiba, Brazil/Objetivo) assisted freshman defender Hans Zoller (Guayaquil, Ecuador/Kearny), who scored his first collegiate goal to narrow the gap to 2-1. That minute alone was a battle as both teams received a total of four cards—three yellow and one red.

UMSV secured the win with a goal from a substitute in the 82nd minute, giving the Dolphins a 3-1 lead that NJCU could not overcome.

Despite outshooting UMSV 16-6 overall and 11-5 in shots on target, NJCU faced a formidable defense, with the Dolphins' goalkeeper making 10 key saves. The match was intensely contested, with both teams accumulating 40 fouls and 11 cards combined.

Highlights:
- Hans Zoller (Guayaquil, Ecuador/Kearny) scored his first collegiate goal, while Joao Aufran (Itatiba, Brazil/Objetivo) recorded his first career assist.
- Fifth-year player Thiago Duarte (Newark, N.J./Newark East Side) and freshman Christian Palmer combined for seven of NJCU's 11 shots on goal.
- Freshman goalkeeper Dominic Cunha (Rahway, N.J./Rahway) made two saves in the contest.

Up Next: 
The Gothic Knights will return to action on Tuesday, Sept. 10, when they host St. Joe's-Long Island at Robert L. McNulty Memorial Soccer Field at 3:00 p.m.