Riverdale, NY – The John Jay College men's soccer team opened the 2026 season on Tuesday evening, falling to the University of Mount Saint Vincent, 3-1, at the Athletic Field at Marillac.
The Bloodhounds (0-1-0) struck first as
Kristian Hernandez netted the first goal of the 2026 campaign, but the Dolphins (1-0-0) answered with three straight goals to secure the season-opening victory.
John Jay generated the first quality opportunity of the contest in the fifth minute.
Miguel Espinal put an attempt on frame, forcing UMSV goalkeeper Joey Wiant to make his first save of the night. Espinal followed with another attempt in the 10th minute that went wide.
The Bloodhounds broke through at the 17:11 mark.
Blake Paves set up Hernandez, who converted the opportunity to give John Jay an early 1-0 advantage. The tally marked Hernandez's first goal of the season, while Paves was credited with his first assist.
John Jay held the advantage for nearly 24 minutes before UMSV found the equalizer late in the opening half.
Following a pair of saves from Bloodhound goalkeeper Davio Rossi-Levin earlier in the period, the Dolphins drew even at 41:06 when Justin Sorto connected with Brandon Brad Leon, who scored to make it 1-1 heading into halftime.
The Bloodhounds and Dolphins each attempted four shots in the opening 45 minutes, while John Jay held a 3-2 advantage in corner kicks.
UMSV took its first lead of the evening in the 57th minute. Sorto, who assisted on the Dolphins' first goal, found the back of the net at 56:42, giving the hosts a 2-1 advantage.
John Jay looked for the equalizer as
Josh Clemas sent an attempt wide in the 65th minute. Four minutes later,
Alejandro De Jesus put an attempt on target, but Wiant was there for the save to preserve UMSV's one-goal lead.
The Dolphins added an insurance goal at 77:12 when Marti Senyer found the back of the net, extending the UMSV advantage to 3-1.
The Bloodhounds continued to push forward over the final 13 minutes.
Adrian Sudol fired an attempt high in the 80th minute before
Josh Brayan followed with a shot of his own, but John Jay couldn't cut into the deficit before the final whistle.
John Jay finished the evening with eight shots, three on goal, while UMSV registered 11 attempts with six on target. The two teams finished even with three corner kicks apiece. The Bloodhounds drew 14 fouls from the Dolphins while committing 10.
Hernandez led the Bloodhounds with his first goal of the season while Paves collected the assist. Clemas and Espinal each registered a team-high two shots. Espinal, Hernandez and De Jesus each placed one attempt on target.
Rossi-Levin played all 90 minutes in goal for John Jay, making three saves in his first appearance of the season.
The Bloodhounds will hit the road this weekend to compete in the Keene State Tournament in New Hampshire, as they will first square off against Ramapo on Saturday, September 5 before taking on the host on Sunday, September 6 at noon.
