New York, NY - Behind a two-goal performance from
Josh Clemas and a strong defensive effort, the John Jay College men's soccer team secured three pivotal points in the conference standings with a 3-1 road victory over CCNY on Wednesday evening at Randall's Island.
Clemas recorded his second multi-goal performance in the last three matches, while
Helmer Herrera opened the scoring for the Bloodhounds, who held off a second-half push from the Beavers.
With the victory, John Jay improved its position in the conference race, while CCNY fell to 4-8-3 overall and 2-3-1 in league play.
The Beavers had an early opportunity to seize the momentum when they were awarded a penalty kick in the seventh minute. However, Bloodhounds goalkeeper Davio Rossi-Levin came up with a crucial stop against fellow keeper, Abdul Salim, at the 6:14 mark, keeping the contest scoreless.
John Jay began generating offensive opportunities as the opening half progressed. Clemas tested Salim with a shot on goal in the 11th minute before
Karl Menuau and Herrera added attempts midway through the period.
The Bloodhounds continued to apply pressure, earning consecutive corner kicks in the 29th and 34th minutes. After Clemas forced another save at the 33:02 mark, John Jay capitalized on its attacking momentum just 40 seconds later.
Herrera lined up in the bottom right corner and sent a well-timed bender, that found its way to the back of the net in the 34
th minute or his first goal of the contest and giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
CCNY looked to respond before intermission, but Rossi-Levin denied Williams Boakye in the 42nd minute to preserve John Jay's one-goal lead heading into halftime.
The Bloodhounds wasted little time doubling their advantage after the restart. Just 87 seconds into the second half, Clemas struck at 46:27, extending John Jay's lead to 2-0 and putting the Beavers in an early second-half deficit.Â
John Jay continued to create scoring opportunities while relying on its defensive unit and Rossi-Levin to withstand CCNY's offensive pressure. The Bloodhounds' goalkeeper delivered consecutive saves against Konstantin Psomaras in the 59th and 60th minutes, helping John Jay maintain its two-goal cushion.
CCNY eventually cut into the deficit at 76:27 when Psomaras converted a penalty kick, trimming John Jay's lead to 2-1 with just under 14 minutes remaining.
With the Beavers pushing for an equalizer, the Bloodhounds responded with a decisive late goal. After John Jay earned a penalty kick in the 86th minute, Clemas stepped to the spot and calmly converted at 85:19, completing his brace and restoring the Bloodhounds' two-goal advantage at 3-1.
The late insurance tally effectively sealed the victory as John Jay held firm over the final minutes to secure the important conference result.
Clemas spearheaded the Bloodhounds' offensive attack, finishing with two goals on four shots, all of which were on target. Herrera added a goal on two attempts, while
Sebastian Leja registered four shots, including one on goal.
Greg Semsarian contributed three shots off the bench, while
Karl Menuau and
Alejandro De Jesus recorded two attempts apiece.
Rossi-Levin played all 90 minutes in goal, making seven saves while allowing just one goal.
John Jay held a 19-14 advantage in total shots, including a 9-8 edge in shots on goal. The Bloodhounds also generated five corner kicks compared to three for CCNY.
The visitors outshot the Beavers 8-5 in the first half and 11-9 over the final 45 minutes.
Psomaras paced CCNY with eight shots, five on target, and the Beavers' lone goal. Salim finished with six saves in net.
The Bloodhounds close out the regular season on Saturday morning, October 24, as they welcome the Brooklyn College Bulldogs for Senior Day.
Prior to the start of the match, the Bloodhounds will recognize the 2026 Senior Class in a pre-game ceremony.Â
