JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) men's soccer team secured their first win of the 2025 season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the City College of New York (CCNY) on Saturday, Sept. 13. The match, held at the Thomas M. Gerrity Athletic Complex, saw standout performances from both veterans and newcomers, with seniors Kevin Alves (Rutherford, N.J./Rutherford) Kenneth Valladares (Union City, N.J./Union City) each scoring their first goals of the year. Alves also contributed an assist, while freshman Tristan Bastos (Elizabeth, N.J./Elizabeth) recorded his first collegiate assist in the winning effort.

The Gothic Knights (1-4-1) controlled the tempo throughout much of the match and finished with a 16-9 advantage in total shots, including 7-2 in shots on target. CCNY (0-4) had a slight edge in corner kicks, 3-2, while both teams played aggressively, combining for 22 fouls. Offsides were nearly even, with the Beavers called five times compared to NJCU's four.

Freshman Kenneth Valladares (Union City, N.J./Union City) led the Gothic Knights in offensive production with five total shots, including two on frame. Brian Ferriera Jr. followed with three shots, also putting two on target. Gerard Bocanegra (Kearny, N.J./Kearny) and Max Bzuikiewicz each added two attempts, while Javier Peña, Augusto Vieira (Kearny, N.J./Kearny), and Luccas Pessoa (Kearny, N.J./Kearny) also contributed shots. On the defensive end, the NJCU back line of freshman Jose Orozco (Cali, Colombia/Curro Rivonia), junior Mo Attia (Jersey City, N.J./James J. Ferris), and Bastos played all 90 minutes, providing a solid foundation alongside junior goalkeeper Camilo Pascual Verdú, who made one key save.

The first half was a tightly contested affair with limited scoring opportunities. NJCU outshot the Beavers 5-4 in the opening 45 minutes and held a 2-0 advantage in shots on target. However, CCNY earned three corner kicks compared to NJCU's one, and fouls were nearly even—six by the Beavers and five by the Gothic Knights.

The second half brought a more intense and physical tone, as the match saw eight yellow cards issued between the two sides. The breakthrough for NJCU came in the 52nd minute when freshman Kenneth Valladares (Union City, N.J./Union City) was fouled inside the box, earning a penalty. Senior Kevin Alves (Rutherford, N.J./Rutherford) calmly stepped up to the spot and slotted home his first goal of the season, giving the Gothic Knights a 1-0 lead. Shortly after the goal, CCNY responded with pressure and recorded their first shot on target, forcing a save from Pascual Verdú.

In the 57th minute, NJCU's Mo Attia (Jersey City, N.J./James J. Ferris) received a yellow card for a defensive foul inside the box, resulting in a penalty kick for the Beavers. CCNY's Bitoshoke Chakma converted the chance, finding the lower right corner of the net to level the score at 1-1.

As the match approached the final minutes, NJCU continued to push for a winner. In the 84th minute, the Gothic Knights were awarded a free kick from near the corner flag. Alves delivered a precise ball into the box, which was headed by Tristan Bastos (Elizabeth, N.J./Elizabeth) toward Valladares. The rookie made no mistake, firing a shot into the upper right corner to give NJCU a 2-1 lead and ultimately the game-winning goal. It was a milestone moment for both Valladares and Bastos—Valladares netted his first collegiate goal, while Bastos recorded his first collegiate assist.

UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights return to action on Monday, Sept. 15 as they host John Jay for a 3:30 p.m. match at the Gerrity.

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