Ewing, NJ … The College of New Jersey men's soccer team scored a pair of second-half goals off restarts to snap a three-game skid as they notched a 2-0 victory over the College of Staten Island on Wednesday night in Lions Stadium.
 
Junior Ryan Sullivan (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) netted the game-winner midway through the second half and freshman Michael Kussak (Moorestown, NJ/Moorestown) added the insurance goal with just over 10 minutes remaining. It was an exciting win for TCNJ and their first home triumph of the fall.
 
The Lions improved to 4-6-2 and breathed a deep sigh of relief, registering two goals after being shut out the past three games. Sophomore Jake Nesteruk (Doylestown, PA/Central Bucks East) needed just one save for his third shutout.
 
The Dolphins saw their three-game winning streak come to an end. The loss dropped their season record to 6-7.
 
CSI had the better of play in the opening half, but neither team managed to put a shot on net. The pace of play picked up after the intermission with TCNJ displaying a greater sense of urgency.
 
With 25:32 remaining in the game, the Lions received a restart just outside the box on the right side. Senior Kevin McCartney (Old Bridge, NJ/St. Joseph's) sent a ground pass to Sullivan, who was streaking through the box. He hit a first-time shot into the left corner to cap a perfectly executed set piece. It was the first goal of the season for Sullivan and second of his career.
 
The Lions continued to press forward and were awarded another free kick from 30 yards out on the left side . Sophomore Domenic Polidoro (Monroe, NJ/Monroe Twp.) sent a cross to the far post. Kussak was in position to redirect the pass into upper part of the net with 10:13 remaining to seal the win. It was the second goal of the year for Kussak.
 
Dolphin goalkeeper John Gioeli had three saves in the game. Sophomores Nicholas Bacarella and Nobel Hadgu created some chances during the game, but the Lions' defense held them in check, blanking their opponent for the fourth time this season.
 
TCNJ visits Montclair State University in a New Jersey Athletic Conference match on Saturday at 6 p.m. The Red Hawks are currently 7-3 on the season.