STATEN ISLAND, NY – The College of Staten Island men's soccer team hosted Caldwell University at Dolphins Soccer Park Wednesday afternoon. After the Dolphins battled back to even the score at 1-1 before halftime, the Cougars found the back of the net early in the second half to secure a 2-1 victory over the Dolphins.
Caldwell controlled much of the offensive action, recording 13 shots on the afternoon, including eight in the first half, compared to eight shots for CSI. The Cougars opened the scoring in the 13th minute, taking an early 1-0 lead.
As the final minutes of the first half began to wind down, the Cougars maintained possession in the Dolphins' defensive end before Dylan Meadows intercepted a pass to shift the momentum in the hosts' favor. Meadows quickly poked the ball to Naim Bakere, who advanced toward the net before finding Meadows again. Meadows finished the play, scoring his first goal as a Dolphin to even the game at 1-1.
Both teams recorded a shot in the opening minutes of the second half, with Bakere initiating the Dolphins' offensive push. CSI worked the ball down the field and found Feyisope Osifeso with an opportunity, but his attempt sailed just wide of the net. Shortly after, Caldwell capitalized on a goal-kick opportunity, sending the ball into the back of the net to reclaim the lead at 2-1.
The Cougars held onto their advantage through the remainder of the afternoon, as the Dolphins were unable to find an equalizer. With the loss, CSI falls to 1-3 on the season.
Meadows led the Dolphins with his first goal of the season, while Bakere recorded the assist. Osifeso led CSI with two shots, while Carlos Romero Astacio made four saves in goal.
The College of Staten Island men's soccer team will return to action next Wednesday when the Dolphins host Goldey-Beacom College at Dolphins Soccer Park at 2:00 PM.
