NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The Albertus Magnus College men's soccer team recorded its first win of the 2022 season in the home opener against Mitchell College, blanking the Mariners by a 3-0 final score on Saturday afternoon.
Johan Stagnaro (East Hartford, Conn.), Kelvin Cortez (Meriden, Conn.), and Joao Oliveira (Middletown, Conn.) all scored a goal for the Falcons on assists by Orantay Blake (Hamden, Conn.), Declan Ryan (Hamden, Conn.) and Yahya Kardad (Wallingford, Conn.).
In goal, David Lucero (East Haven, Conn.) went 3-for-3 in save opportunities on his way to his first career shutout.
THE BASICS
FINAL: Albertus Magnus 3 | Mitchell 0
RECORDS: Albertus Magnus (1-0-1) | Mitchell (0-2-0)
BOX SCORE
HOW IT HAPPENED
• After a solid defensive start to the game, Stagnaro scored the first goal in the 36th minute on an assist from Blake to make it 1-0 Falcons.
• Albertus took a 2-0 advantage in the 81st minute when Ryan sent a ball to Cortez, who calmly scored to widen the home team's lead.
• The freshman Falcons connected late with the final goal of the game, as Kardad assisted Oliveira's first-career tally to seal the 3-0 victory for the Falcons in their 2022 home opener.
• The Albertus defense did more than enough to earn the team's first clean sheet of the year, as it held the Mariners to eight shots and just one corner kick.
BETWEEN THE PIPES
Albertus - David Lucero (W, 1-0-1): 3 Shots on Goal | 0 Goals-Against | 3 Saves
Mitchell - Joey Rosa (L, 0-2): 12 Shots on Goal | 3 Goals-Against | 9 Saves
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
• The Falcons led the Mariners in shots, 32-8.
• Mitchell finished with nine saves compared to Albertus' three.
• The Falcons had 11 fouls, while the Mariners had eight.
• Albertus led in corner kicks, 15-1
NOTEWORTHY
• Today's game was the 15th time Albertus and Mitchell have met on the pitch.
• After the win by the Falcons, they lead the all-time series, 11-2-2.
• Oliveira scored his first-ever collegiate goal to give Albertus a 3-0 lead.
• Lucero finished with three saves and recorded his first collegiate win and shutout.
UP NEXT
Albertus returns to action on Monday, Sept. 5, with a home non-conference match against Hunter College. Game time is set for 3 p.m. at Celentano Field in New Haven, Conn.
