After ending last Wednesday’s hard-fought effort against New Jersey City University in a 3-3 tie — despite playing two extra frames in an attempt to conjure up a winner — the NYU men’s soccer team was at home Tuesday against Drew University, hoping to improve on their .571 record.

The guys let one get past them early, as the Drew University Rangers scored on a penalty kick in the eighth minute. Despite some back and forth action and quality chances from both teams, Drew’s 1-0 advantage remained at the break.

Drew’s Joe Sollod, who scored their first, was again successful as he netted one on NYU’s senior goalkeeper Lucas Doucette. Sollod doubled the lead in the 77th minute, leaving little time for the Violets to make a move for the win.

Though the Violets did come away with the shots lead, outshooting the Rangers 17-11, they just could not get one past Drew goalkeeper Stephen Lukianov, who stood tall for a full 90 minutes.

Freshman forward Julian Montilus expressed regret at the 2-0 loss, but put it in perspective as the season moves on to more pivotal play.

“It was disappointing to lose,” Montilus said. “But it was a good preparation for the UAA games.”

Captain and senior Petter Aasa added that while there were tilts in their favor, they could could not capitalize.

“Today’s game was extremely competitive and fast paced,” Aasa said. “Games like these come down to marginal differences and tiny details, and unfortunately we were on the losing end of this one. Now we gotta keep our heads up and learn from this game as we prepare for our conference opener this Saturday against Case Western.”

The Violets record now sits at 3-3-2 — middling, but giving them a chance to honestly assess where they are heading into University Athletic Association play.

The team will carry its quest for success on Saturday, Oct. 1 in Cleveland, Ohio at Case Western Reserve University.

Email Rachel Ruecker at [email protected].