Guadagno Powers SJC Past Mt. St. Vincent for First Skyline Win of the Season

Written by Andrew Capitelli (SJC-LI Sports Information)

Patchogue, NY| Goals from senior Alex Guadagno and freshman Michael Flynn powered the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) men's soccer to its first Skyline Conference victory of the season on Saturday night, as they topped the College of Mount St. Vincent 2-1 at Danzi Stadium. Guadagno's 16th-minute tally was his third of the season, while Flynn's 50th-minute goal was the first of his collegiate career and would prove to be the game-winner.

With the win, the Golden Eagles improve to 2-6-1 (1-0-1 Skyline) on the year, while the Dolphins fall to 4-4-2 (0-0-2 Skyline).

In a feisty match that saw 43 fouls called and eight cards handed out, St. Joseph's comfortably controlled the game after Guadagno netted the first tally of the afternoon. Cutting diagonally toward the right wing, the South Setuaket, NY native took a ball from midfield out of the air, beat a defender and fired a shot short side to put his side up 1-0.

The guests would find an answer in the 40th minute, when Guy Horcasitas snuck behind the defense, pounced on a loose ball and barely squeaked a shot underneath St. Joseph's keeper Avery Gomez from just outside the 18-yard box. Gomez rendered helpless as the ball trickled over the goal line.

Despite controlling most of the play in the first, the Golden Eagles entered halftime behind in shots 8-6, although they generated four corners to Mount St. Vincent's two.

In the 50th minute, St. Joseph's would find what would turn out to be the game-winner, when sophomore Justin Busto evaded a defender on the left wing and crossed the ball to a wide-open Michael Flynn, who headed home to go-ahead goal.

Despite a couple of late-half scares, the Golden Eagles would hold onto the 2-1 lead and claim the win. St. Joseph's outshot the Dolphins 16-12, but we're also whistled for more fouls (22-21).

Guadagno proved to be a handful for Mount St. Vincent all afternoon, covering every blade of grass in the final third. Busto did well to push wide and junior defenders Cody Kull and Brian O'Sullivan were strong at the back.

The Golden Eagles return to action on Tuesday, September 29 when they welcome conference rivals Farmingdale State to the Danzi Center for a 7:00 PM kickoff. Live stats will be available here.