Union, NJ … The College of New Jersey suffered a 16-7 setback to Kean University in its New Jersey Athletic Conference opener on Friday night in Union, NJ.
 
The Lions (0-2) battled all night to keep the game in striking distance, but Cougar quarterback Charles App lofted an 18-yard touchdown pass to LeRon Dillard in the left corner of the end zone with 2:36 remaining in the contest to secure the victory in Kean's home opener.
 
Four turnovers were costly to TCNJ and contributed to field position woes for the much of the evening. The Lions also struggled on third down, moving the chains just once in third-down situations against a stingy Kean defense.
 
The Cougars jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead, capitalizing on a fumble recovery off of a punt on the TCNJ 20-yard line. An 18-yard pass reception from App to Dillar put Kean at the Lions' two. Running back D'Wan McCrary punched it infor a rushing score to give Kean the early advantage just 4:24 into the game.
 
The Lions found themselves inside their own 20 for the majority of the opening period. They finally got some breathing room when junior quarterback Trevor Osler (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) hit senior Jeff Mattonelli (Hamilton, NJ/Steinert) with a long pass down the middle for a 47-yard gain. The Cougar defense didn't budge from that point, however, and forced the Lions to punt.
 
Neither offense found a good rhythm in the opening 30 minutes. A total of 13 punts were booted, including a 50-yard blast by rookie Zach Warcola (Mendham, NJ/Mendham). TCNJ did drive into Cougar territory late in the second quarter, but a controversial interception by Kevin Stevens at the Kean three-yard line ended the scoring threat.
 
A 37-yard kickoff return to start the second half put Kean in good field position. The Cougars went 45 yards on 12 plays to set up a 31-yard field goal by Aryeh Moslavi to stretch the lead to 10-0.
 
TCNJ responded by marching down the field into Cougar territory. A 24-yard pass completion from Osler to Mattonelli put the ball at midfield. Junior back Khani Glover (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) then rushed for a pair of first downs followed by a face mask to the helmet of Osler on third-and-13, which extended the drive. Glover got the Lions down to the 1-yard line before senior Michael Marchesano (New Providence, NJ/New Providence) pounded it in on a keeper to make it a 10-7 game with 1:28 to play in the third.
 
Both teams traded punches through the final period, but a seven-play, 68-yard drive, capped by the App to Dillard TD put the game on ice for the Cougars.
 
Mattonelli highlighted the Lion offense with four receptions for 73 yards. Osler finished 8-of-14 for 128 yards, while Glover led the running game with 43 yards gained.
 
TCNJ put forth a blue-collar effort on defense. Junior Troy Domenick (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) led all players with a game-high 12 tackles. Senior defensive lineman Daniel Naples (Somerville, NJ/Somerville) posted a career-best 11 takedowns, and sophomore Max Busca (Medford, NJ/Shawnee) finished with 10 tackles and a pass break-up.
 
TCNJ will play its home opener next Saturday when they host Christopher Newport University at noon in Lions Stadium. The college will also celebrate Parent and Family Day on campus. CNU hosts Wesley College tomorrow at 6 p.m.