FAIRFIELD, Conn. — The Marist University men's soccer team earned its first Metro Conference victory, defeating Sacred Heart, 1-0, on Wednesday evening at Park Ave Field.
"Great road effort against a really good team," said head coach Matt Viggiano '99. "The team followed the game plan and put in the necessary work to get a result. The boys should be proud of their effort and focus. We'll take the three points and move on."
With the win, the Red Foxes improve to 3-2-3 overall and 1-1-0 in Metro play, while the Pioneers fall to 2-4-3 overall and 0-1-1 in conference play.
- The two teams played to a scoreless first half. Marist recorded four shots, while Sacred Heart also registered four.
- Graduate student midfielder Gijs Velings opened the scoring in the 59th minute for his first goal as a Red Fox, assisted by junior midfielder Caio Cavaletti to give the Red Foxes a 1-0 lead.
- Marist continued to create chances after taking the lead, with sophomore forward Adriano Iannello and graduate student forward Mani Diop each putting shots on target that were saved by Sacred Heart goalkeeper Anthony Suarez.
- The Red Foxes' defense held strong down the stretch, limiting the Pioneers to just one shot on target in the match.
- Velings scored his first goal of the season.
- Cavaletti recorded his team-leading fifth assist of the season.
- Junior goalkeeper Alex Murania made one save to record his second shutout of the season.
- Marist and Sacred Heart each recorded nine shots, while the Red Foxes held a 6-1 advantage in shots on target.
- Marist earned a 5-3 edge in corner kicks.
- The Red Foxes host Iona for a Metro matchup at Tenney Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 3.
- Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. on ESPN+.
