New York, NY - The John Jay men's soccer team generated several quality opportunities and held a 9-5 advantage in shots on goal, but a late second-half strike proved to be the difference as the Bloodhounds fell to Hunter, 1-0, in their CUNY Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) opener on Wednesday afternoon at Randall's Island.
With the setback, John Jay moves to 4-4 overall and 0-1 in conference play, while Hunter improves to 1-4-1 and 1-0 in the CUNYAC.
The Bloodhounds finished the contest with a 15-13 advantage in total shots and put nine attempts on target. Hunter goalkeeper Matthew Fridburg turned aside all nine to preserve the shutout.
After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, John Jay came out aggressively in the second half.
Antonio DeLuca recorded the Bloodhounds' first attempt just 80 seconds after the restart before
Alejandro De Jesus forced Fridburg into a save in the 52nd minute.
Petur Larusson and
Sekou Sheriff followed with shots on goal less than a minute apart in the 59th and 60th minutes as John Jay continued to apply pressure.
The Bloodhounds continued to threaten as the match moved into its final 20 minutes. Larusson put an attempt on frame in the 74th minute before Sheriff tested Fridburg again moments later.
Hunter broke through at the 74:29 mark. Yassine Jaballah set up Jaerang Lee, who found the back of the net for his first goal of the season and the eventual game-winner.
John Jay continued searching for the equalizer.
Daniel Mansur produced another opportunity in the 86th minute, but Fridburg made his ninth save of the afternoon. Sheriff registered the Bloodhounds' final attempt with 16 seconds remaining, but his shot went wide as Hunter held on for the 1-0 decision.
Sheriff paced the John Jay attack with a match-high six shots, placing three on goal. Larusson also put all three of his attempts on target, while
Josh Clemas finished with two shots and one on goal. De Jesus and Mansur each recorded a shot on goal.
In net, Davio Rossi-Levin made four saves while allowing just the one goal over 90 minutes.
The Bloodhounds resume CUNYAC play on Saturday, September 26 as they welcome Brooklyn College to Randall's Island - Field 74 for a 3:00 p.m. kickoff.
