FLUSHING, N.Y. - Playing in Flushing after 1021 days, the Queens College men's soccer team had a huge task in front of them as they opened the 2022 season against #12 Franklin Pierce University on Thursday evening.  

But a sluggish opening 15 minutes of play would see the Knights go down 1-0 as the Ravens opened the scoring. Queens would be outshot 11-0 before junior Nicholas Tagios (East Williston, N.Y.) was able to get the Knights' first shot off, only to sail over the top.  

Coming out of halftime, Queens came out as the aggressor as junior Leo Pinto (Forest Hills, N.Y.) notched the first shot but it would sail high as they looked to find the equalizer. But the Ravens would continue to be more physical. 

Franklin Pierce would spoil the home opener for Queens as they took a 5-0 victory in the season opener.  

Game Highlights: 

• Pinto, sophomore Adolfo Martinez Paquet (Sevilla, Spain), and freshman Kevin Johnson (Oakdale, N.Y.) combined for 10 shots.  
• Pinto, Paquet, and Johnson combined for three shots on goals on the night 
• In goal, senior Dario Giovanni Cruz (Guadalajara, Mexico) made six saves on the night.  
• The Knights were outshot 19-9 (12-3 shots on goals). 
• Queens was held without a corner kick as Franklin Pierce held a 9-0 advantage. 

UP NEXT: The Knights will use Friday to prepare for their second home game in a row as they host Bentley University Falcons Saturday (8/27) evening. Kick-off is set for 7:00 p.m. 

For the latest news on Queens College Athletics, follow the Knights at queensknights.com or via social media on Facebook (Queens College Athletics), Twitter (@QCKnights), and Instagram (qcknightsny), men's soccer (qcmsoccer).