Box Score

WEST HAVEN, Conn. – The University of New Haven men’s soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to Le Moyne College at Kayo Field on Wednesday afternoon. A goal early on in the second half proved to be the difference, leaving the Chargers with their second loss at home this season.

With the loss New Haven descended to 4-6-1 overall and 3-6 in the league. The Dolphins improved to 5-2-3 overall and 4-1-2 in the conference.

The opening 45 minutes of play featured a strong all-around defensive effort. The Dolphins generated the game’s first chance but Chargers’ goalkeeper Jonathan Creem (Naugatuck, Conn., Naugatuck ) was up for the task, making two saves on the play. With 15 minutes remaining in the half, Jean Carlos Rafael (Lima, Peru, Wilbur Cross (Conn.)) nearly put the home team ahead with a free kick from 20 yards out. His right-footed blast beat the opposing goalie but ricocheted off the crossbar and away from danger. After one half of action, the score was knotted up at 0-0.

After the break for halftime, Le Moyne opened the scoring summary with a goal just six minutes into the second stanza. The Dolphins put together four passes in a row, concluded by a give-and-go inside the penalty area. Zach Kuzemka connected with Justin Fredsell, granting the visitors a 1-0 lead.

The Chargers’ offense pressed frantically to find the equalizer and nearly did so in the 59th minute of play. Gui Dos Santos (Bethel, Conn., Bethel) broke through the backline down the right side of the field but had his half-volley stopped by the Dolphins’ keeper.

The teams went back and forth in the closing minutes but time ran out before the Chargers could tie up the score. Creem registered three saves on the afternoon for UNH, while Matthew Silva made two saves for Le Moyne.

New Haven returns to action on Saturday, October 9, when they travel to North Andover, Mass to take on No. 16 nationally ranked, Merrimack College. Game time is set for 1 p.m.