Purchase Defeats M. Soccer 3-1 in Skyline Tilt

(Recap Courtesy of Purchase Sports Information) 

Purchase, N.Y. – Conference rivals St. Joseph's-LI and Purchase squared off Saturday with the host Panthers utilizing a dominant second half to turn in a 3-1 victory against the Golden Eagles.

The two playoff teams from last fall rekindled their rivalry in another physical contest. The 2014 installment featured plenty of hard-fought defense and limited scoring chances on both ends. 

A pair of second-half goals by Purchase would prove to be the difference in the Skyline Conference showdown. The Panthers wore down the visitors and broke the game open over the final 45 minutes.

Purchase jumped on the board first. Midfielder Eli Wilson-Berkowitz broke the scoreless tie, beating SJC-LI keeper Avery Gomez off an assist from midfielder and captain Junior Sanguina in the ninth minute of the opening period.   

In the 27th minute of the first, the Golden Eagles evened the score on a cross and header. The game-tying goal was netted by reserve Ryan Hempfling. It was assisted by Chance Casey, who also checked in the early going of the period.

The first half ended with the game knotted 1-all.

Four minutes into the second half, Gomez made a sparkling grab against Panther forward Andres Romero on a liner at the goal.  The grab kept the tie intact, but not for long.

Shortly later, in the 51st minute, Romero broke through against Gomez. The go-ahead goal, his third of the season (shares team lead with Sanguina), handed the Panthers a 2-1 advantage. The shot was crossed and assisted by Renato Martins.

Purchase put the finishing touches on the game with an insurance goal courtesy of first-year Panther Enea Canaj. Romero assisted on Canaj's second tally of the season.

Purchase played keep away for the reminder of the second half to seal the victory. 

In goal, Panther netminder Esteban Aguilar  recorded his second win of the fall. He finished with nine saves, including two memorable stops in the second half – one on a line drive at the goal and another on a header that he turned away.  Gomez took the loss in goal. He is now 3-4 on the season in net.