NEW HAVEN, CT. – Returning to non-conference action, the Queens College men's soccer team traveled to New Haven, CT as they matched up against nationally ranked #15 and #2 in the East Region Southern Connecticut State University Owls at Jess Dow Field Wednesday evening.
In a match dominated by the Knights, goals by sophomore
Adolfo Martinez Paquet (Sevilla, Spain), senior
Thomas Esperoe (Bomlo, Norway), and rookie
Bryce Cherry (Amityville, N.Y.) and a second straight clean sheet by senior goalie
Dario Giovanni Cruz (Guadalajara, México) helped the Knights defeat the Owls 3-0 for their third straight victory.
For the first time since the 2018 season, head coach
Frank Vertullo and his Knights have defeated a nationally ranked opponent. The last win came on September 26, 2018 against #15 LIU Post
(now LIU) when Queens defeated the Pioneers 2-1 on the road.
Queens got off to a quick start as Paquet won the ball in the attacking half before the Sevilla native dribbled past Owls defenders to beat the SCSU goalie to his right side for a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute of play.
The Knights continued to stay on the offense as they looked to extend their advantage. A shot by rookie
David Oprea (Oslo, Norway) in the 25
th minute would be denied.
After a foul by the Owls gave the Knights a set piece in the 31
st minute, sophomore
Jose Mendez (Queens, N.Y.) would be denied his first goal of the season as Queens continued to rattle the Owls' defense.
After a misplay by the Owls in the Knights' attacking half, Cherry would take full advantage as the Amityville native stole the ball before beating the diving Owls goalie to give the Knights a 2-0 lead just before halftime.
Just 47 seconds in the second half, the Owls tallied a shot on goal only to be denied by Cruz.
After a cross by junior
Brian Garay (Valley Stream, N.Y.) found the header of Esperoe, the Owls were able to make the timely save before the Norwegian native put the rebound ball away to give the Knights a 3-0 commanding lead in the 54
th minute.
Queens would outshoot SCSU 7-4 in the second half before earning their second straight shutout and road win of the season to improve to 5-2 overall on the season.
Match Highlights
- Paquet netted his team-leading fourth goal and third game-winner of the season. Cherry and Esperoe knocked in their second goal of the season.
- In goal, Cruz made two saves on the evening.
- The Knights held an 11-7 shots margin (8-2 shots on goal).
- Reigning East Coast Conference Defender of the Week Cruz tallied his 13th career victory and is tied for second on the All-Time Career Wins in the shutout victory.
UP NEXT: Head coach
Frank Vertullo and his Knights return to ECC play on Saturday (Sept. 17) afternoon as they welcome the Wildcats of Daemen University to Flushing at QC Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 3:30 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).
