Riverdale, NY - The College of Mount Saint Vincent's men's soccer team looked to return to the win column on Thursday evening when they challenged the United States Merchant Marine Academy in the program's first game under the lights on Marillac Field. It was a defensive battle throughout, with the Skyline Conference rivals wrapping up regulation tied at one. The game puts the Dolphins at 1-2-2 against Skyline competition as the team battles for a spot in the conference tournament. 

The physical battle was apparent early on, but it would be CMSV who struck first. In just the fifth minute of action, freshman midfielder Sebastian Mesa crashed the net, converting a pass from classmate Alinoti Jacques for his first goal as a collegiate player. Jacques also recorded his first career point with the helper to Mesa.

A questionable hand ball call in the box on the Dolphins put the Mariners on the line for a penalty attempt. Unfortunately for CMSV, the shot reached the back of the net, leading to a score that would eventually be the final. 

It was a hard fought back and forth contest between two teams that matched up in the conference quarterfinal in 2022. Despite seven second half shot attempts from USMMA, the Dolphins defense held strong, with Donovan Speer, Cesar Mendez, Justin Betancourt and goalkeeper Joel Luna all stepping up as time ticked down. Luna ended his night with three saves in his sixth start in net. 

The Dolphins have yet another important showdown this coming weekend, as the Rams of Farmingdale State head to Riverdale.