EWING, N.J. – A tough second half would be the difference in Immaculata men's soccer's season opener against the TCNJ Lions on Friday, leading to a 5-0 TCNJ victory.
The Mighty Macs are 0-1 for the season. Their first AEC game will be on Saturday, Oct. 4 versus Centenary (N.J.).
HOW IT HAPPENED AGAINST TCNJ
- The majority of the first half was scoreless for either side. The Mighty Macs were solid in keeping the ball away from the net, despite a few turnovers and the Lions being aggressive on offense.
- The Mighty Macs saw their first free kick nearly three minutes in and would force an offsides on the Lions.
- Matteo Paolillo's first shot faced at the collegiate level was high.
- In the 15th minute, Paolillo made back-to-back saves, both on low shots. He would stand strong on another missed shot minutes later.
- TCNJ was assessed a yellow card at 31:46.
- Despite multiple Immaculata defensive stands throughout the first half, the Lions broke the tie in the 41st minute to make the halftime lead 1-0.
- The start of the second half decided the match, in favor of the home team. TCNJ put consecutive shots into the net about 90 seconds apart.
- Matthew Skipper logged Immaculata's first shot attempt 59 minutes in, which was saved. Jaden Jones attempted a shot in the 76th minute, but that was blocked.
- The ball continued to stay on the Lions' side deeper into the second half. Paolillo saved one shot before the Lions scored twice more.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- The Lions took advantage of the battle of shots, 16-2.
- One of the two Immaculata shots was on goal.
- Paolillo saw three saves.
UP NEXT
Immaculata concludes their opening two-match road trip on Wednesday, Sept. 3. They will face the Haverford College Fords at 4 p.m.
