Men’s and women’s soccer winds down

Freshman Ricardo Mitrano scored the game-winner on Sunday’s game vs Emory University.

via gonyuathletics.com

Freshman Ricardo Mitrano scored the game-winner on Sunday’s game vs Emory University.

Brandon Herrera, Staff Writer

As their seasons are nearing close, the men’s and women’s soccer teams travelled to University of Rochester and Emory University over the weekend. The men’s team split two games, while the women’s team won once and tied once in their final contest before travelling to Brandeis University next weekend to finish their seasons.

For the men, the Violets (6-11, 1-5 UAA) were outshot by URI 14-7 overall and 8-1 in shots on goal. The game remained scoreless until a pair of goals from the Yellowjackets in the 62nd and 67th minutes sealed the deal. Junior goalkeeper Lucas Doucette recorded six saves in the match.

On Sunday, NYU picked up their first UAA victory of the season after beating Emory University 1-0 in Atlanta. It only took the Violets five minutes to get on the board, after freshman midfielder Ricardo Mitrano headed in a cross from junior midfielder Tristan Medios-Simon for the game’s lone goal. Both teams played a very even match, as NYU edged Emory 11-10 in shots and 3-2 in shots on goal. Doucette tallied two saves for his fourth shutout of the season. A confident and enthusiastic Mitrano is looking forward to the season finale.

“We want to end the season on a high note after having our first UAA roadtrip win in three seasons,” Mitrano said. “We are going to come from Brandeis with nothing less than a win.”

The women’s team (12-4-1, 2-3-1 UAA) started the weekend off with a 1-0 win against the University of Rochester on Friday. The match remained scoreless for most of the night until senior midfielder Melissa Menta broke the tie with her fourth goal of the season in the 70th minute. Menta benefitted from the Yellowjackets sending three players, including the goalkeeper, to chase the ball at midfield. Sophomore forward Teressa Fazio fed Menta just inside the box with an empty net, allowing for an easy score. Junior goalkeeper Cassie Steinberg notched 5 saves, posting her 10th shutout of the season and 22nd of her career, a testament to the Violets’ defensive mindset. She is now second all-time in program history, five behind Becca Giefer’s 27.

On Sunday, NYU ended their match against Emory in a 1-1 draw after double overtime. The Violets scored the first goal of the game in the 47th minute, when Menta sent a cross to freshman forward Megan Carver, who was able to score one through the legs of the Emory keeper for her fifth goal of the season. The team held their 1-0 lead up until the 69th minute when Emory’s Cristina Ramirez netted the equalizer. Neither team attempted a shot on goal in overtime and the Violets picked up their first tie of the year.

“We knew we needed to perform well this weekend, especially on the road, and we figured out how to stay focused,” Menta said. “Heading into our final regular-season game, we have to reproduce the same kind of energy and composure. There’s no doubt we can make it happen.”

Both teams will end their regular seasons against Brandeis University on Saturday, Nov. 7, in Waltham, Massachusetts. The women’s team will kick off at 11 a.m. and the men’s team at 1:30 p.m.

A version of this article appeared in the Nov. 2 print edition. Email Brandon Herrera at [email protected].