JERSEY CITY, N.J. – In their 2025 home opener at Robert L. McNulty Memorial Soccer Field, the New Jersey City University (NJCU) men's soccer team fell just short in a tightly contested non-conference match, losing 2-1 to Manhattanville University on Wednesday, Sept. 3. Despite a strong defensive showing and a milestone first collegiate goal from freshman Gerard Bocanegra (Kearny, N.J./Kearny), the Gothic Knights were edged out by a late Valiants goal in the final minutes of regulation.

The match began cautiously, until the 13th minute that NJCU (0-2-1) registered the first shot of the game, courtesy of senior midfielder Jona Caballero (Union City, N.J./Jose Marti STEM Academy). Manhattanville (2-1) responded with their first attempt in the 21st minute, outshooting the Gothic Knights 6-3 in the first half, but it was NJCU that struck first. In the 42nd minute, senior Kevin Alves (Rutherford, N.J./Rutherford) sent a driven ball into the box that deflected off a Manhattanville defender. Positioned perfectly, Bocanegra headed the ball into the top left corner of the goal, netting his first collegiate goal and giving NJCU a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

Coming out of the break, Manhattanville wasted no time mounting a response. The Valiants fired four shots within the first four minutes of the second half, with one finally breaking through in the 49th minute. Sophomore Robert Vasquez-Osario leveled the score with a low-driven shot into the bottom right corner of the net, past NJCU senior goalkeeper Camilo Pascual Verdu. The goal shifted momentum in favor of Manhattanville, who continued to apply pressure throughout the half.

Despite NJCU's efforts to reclaim control, the Valiants maintained their edge in possession and chances. With just over a minute remaining in regulation, Manhattanville's Nico Del Vescovo delivered the decisive blow. Del Vescovo received a ball near the edge of the box and curled a precise shot into the top corner, beating Verdu and sealing the 2-1 victory for the visitors.

Statistically, Manhattanville held a slight advantage throughout the match. The Valiants outshot the Gothic Knights 14-9 overall and 6-2 in shots on goal. They also earned three corner kicks, drew two yellow cards, committed 11 fouls, and were flagged for offsides five times. NJCU matched them with three corners and committed nine fouls of their own. Verdu played all 90 minutes in net for NJCU, finishing with four saves.

Leading NJCU's offensive efforts were seniors Jona Caballero (Union City, N.J./Jose Marti STEM Academy) and Kenneth Valladares (Union City, N.J./Union City), along with freshman Brian Ferriera Jr., each recording two shots. Ferriera Jr. also registered the team's only other shot on goal besides Bocanegra's score. Freshmen Somto Joseph Ukaegbu (Union, N.J./Union) and Tristan Bastos (Elizabeth, N.J./Elizabeth), along with senior Kevin Alves (Rutherford, N.J./Rutherford), contributed significantly on both ends of the field, each playing the full 90 minutes.

UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights look to rebound on Saturday, Sept. 6, as they travel to Morristown, N.J. to face the Eagles of Saint Elizabeth University. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m.

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