By Joseph Caruso
Sports Editor
The College won both games of the Brick City Classic in dominating fashion, besting Penn State Harrisburg and Farmingdale State, respectively.
The College entered the weekend riding high off its 2-0 start under new coach Steve DeMatteo, and wasted no time picking up right where they left off.
In Newark for both games, the Lions faced off against Penn State Harrisburg on Saturday for the opening game of the tournament, and got off to a roaring start, scoring three goals in the first half of play. Junior Matias Hornos got the scoring started, finishing off a chance set up by junior Chris Meder. Meder also recorded a goal in his own right.
Freshman Aidan Ayar scored his second goal of the season, followed by junior Nathan Lipton, to put the College up 3-0 at the half.
The Lions were extremely efficient, converting half of their shots into goals, while Penn State Harrisburg put just one shot on goal, which they scored.
In the second half, it was a stalemate until the 86th minute, when Meder put the nail in the coffin. Penn State Harrisburg responded, and the final score was 4-1.
On Sunday, the College faced off against a winless Farmingdale State squad in the finale of the Brick City classic.
It was more of the same for the College, who got on the board twice just ten minutes into the contest. First, it was senior Massimo Rodio on an assist from Meder, followed by Hornos setting up junior Pablo Argueta for the Lions' second goal before the 10th minute. Meder was awarded Brick City Classic MVP for his efforts over the weekend.
Argueta wasn’t done, recording another goal before the first half concluded, this one assisted by Ayar at the 38:19 mark. The College went into the half leading three goals to none.
After the break, the Lions' stifling defense continued to deny the Rams, allowing just six shots compared to 18 from the College. Ayar buried one of his own, his second of the season, which put the Lions up 4-0, where the score would remain.
Freshman Matt Will also had a stellar game, registering a game-high five shots, four of them being on goal.
In another phenomenal weekend, the College finds itself 4-0 and in second place in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, trailing just Rowan for first place. With NJAC play on the horizon, the Lions will look to bolster their resume with more out-of-conference games.
Their most daunting opponent awaits in No. 21 Stevens, who they face on the road for their next matchup on Friday, Sept. 12.
