EWING, N.J. – The TCNJ men's soccer team opened its season with an impressive win over Farmingdale State on Saturday night by a score of 3-0.
It was a true team effort with that led to the Lions controlling the overall pace of the game, with a pair of first-time goal-scorers and a host of newcomers making their collegiate debuts.
TCNJ spent the first half with the upper hand, holding a 13-2 edge in shots (6-0 in shots on goal). The Lions finished the game expanding on that edge to a total of 22-3 (11-0 SOG).
After the first 25 minutes were spent knocking on the door, the Lions struck first when Farmingdale State committed a foul in the penalty box.
Luke Pascarella was able to net a low running shot past the goalie on the spot kick, his first of the season.
Just eight minutes later,
Massimo Rodio tacked on a second goal, the first of his career. He was assisted by
Alex Quezada on a pass off his head which landed just in front of Rodio to deposit a goal into the back of the net.
The Lions' third and final goal came in the 63
rd minute when
Justin Dominique sent a cross over the middle from the right side which
Daniel Grund hammered into the back of the net on a volley for his first career goal.
Goalkeepers
Julian Franco and
Walker Smith combined for the shutout between the pipes. To add, the Lions' defense looked stellar in the process of only allowing three shots the entire game - and none on target.
David Anderson,
Nino Carramusa, Grund,
Danny Hyde,
Anden Johnson,
James Panzenhagen, Rodio, and
Ryan Super all made their collegiate debuts for the Lions.
The Lions look to build off this win on Sunday when they face Babson in their second and final game of the TCNJ Men's Soccer Classic. The game will be held at Lions Stadium at 3:00 PM.
