Bronx, NY – Behind an early goal from
Sekou Sheriff, a seven-save shutout from goalkeeper Davio Rossi-Levin and a late penalty kick from
Josh Clemas, the No. 5 seeded John Jay College men's soccer team blanked No. 4 seed Lehman College, 2-0, on Wednesday afternoon at South Field to advance in the CUNYAC Men's Soccer Championship Tournament.
Sheriff provided the offensive spark in the 18th minute, netting his fifth goal of the season to give John Jay a 1-0 advantage. Clemas added an insurance goal in the 88th minute, converting a penalty kick for his team-leading 16th tally of the year.
Rossi-Levin anchored the Bloodhounds' defensive effort, turning aside all seven shots on goal he faced to preserve the clean sheet and help John Jay withstand a persistent Lehman attack.
John Jay established an early attacking presence, generating three shots in the opening 10 minutes. Sheriff nearly broke through in the 16th minute, but his attempt was stopped by Lehman goalkeeper Andres Barajas.
Less than three minutes later, Sheriff found the breakthrough, scoring at the 17:44 mark to put the Bloodhounds ahead, 1-0. Lehman looked to respond, but Rossi-Levin was up to the challenge throughout the opening half. The John Jay goalkeeper made five first-half saves, including stops against Ibrahim Ouedraogo, Ashraf Abubakar and Abdoul Cisse, to send the Bloodhounds into halftime with a one-goal advantage.
The Lightning increased their offensive pressure following the intermission, outshooting John Jay, 9-3, over the final 45 minutes. Lehman came within inches of equalizing in the 56th minute when Abubakar struck the crossbar. Moments later, Cisse directed an attempt on target, but Rossi-Levin made another crucial stop to maintain the advantage.
John Jay continued to defend its narrow lead as the Lightning generated five second-half corner kicks. Rossi-Levin came through again in the 68th minute, denying Munem Alhassan's attempt toward the bottom-right corner. With Lehman pushing forward in search of the equalizer, the Bloodhounds put the contest away in the closing minutes.
Following a penalty awarded to John Jay, Clemas stepped to the spot and converted at the 87:55 mark, doubling the advantage to 2-0 and securing the tournament victory.
The Bloodhounds will now take on the top-seed, Baruch College Bearcats, on Saturday, October 31 at 5:00 p.m. from Purchase, NY at SUNY Purchase Soccer Field. The winner between John Jay and Baruch will face the winner of the Medgar Evers/Hunter in the CUNYAC Championship match.
