New York, NY - The John Jay men's soccer team returned to Randalls Island for the second time in the span of a week for the final non-conference home match of the season.

Under the late afternoon sun, the Bloodhounds hosted the New Jersey City University (NJCU) Gothic Knights looking to return to the win column.

After an early tally by the Gothic Knights, Brayan Alvarez and the Bloodhounds secured a hard-fought draw behind a brace by the junior.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Gothic Knights controlled possession in the opening fifteen minutes, spending the majority of the quarter hour in the attacking third. John Jay's backline was solid for the opening stint, deflecting three of the five NJCU shots in the first 18 minutes.

The visitors struck first in the 19th minute, as Thiago Duarte played a hard pass from the top of the 18-yard box to the right post where Jorkeef Falls chipped the ball into the far corner for the game's first goal.

Late in the first half, the Bloodhounds earned their best of several counter-attacking chances. Maksym Ivanov found a sprinting Kelvin de la Cruz down the right wing, who worked his way towards the center of the field and rifled a shot low and into the outstretched hands of the NJCU keeper.

After a handful full of Gothic Knights opportunities to open the second half, Mario Parano had the first chance for the home side in the 60th minute. Parano put his head to a floating ball towards the right post but could not get one past the keeper's hands.

The offensive pressure by the Bloodhounds continued to build in the second half, and with 17 minutes to play, John Jay found an answer to the first half score. Aaron Cedillo fed a charging Brayan Alvarez a perfect ball,  with Alvarez taking two touches before depositing the ball in the back of the net.

NJCU negated the tie just 31 seconds later. The Gothic Knights found momentum immediately off the restart, moving quickly down the field. Denilson Salinas connected with Christian Palmer to retake the lead, 2-1.

The Gothic Knights shifted their focus to defending their advantage for the final 17 minutes, and the Bloodhounds were able to seize on the change in tactics. With the NJCU backline and keeper playing up, the Bloodhounds' Jonathan Granados lofted a bouncing ball towards goal that was out of reach of the goalie. Alvarez, awaiting the cross, sped past the keeper to slot away the ball into an empty net. The goal was his second of the day, and third of the season.

John Jay was able to hold for the draw in the final minutes to finish the match tied 2-2.

Bloodhound keeper Tyler Solis finished the match with seven saves.

NEXT UP: The Bloodhounds head to New Jersey on Monday, Sept. 23 to take on nationally recognized Montclair State. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.