Yeshiva Slips Past Men’s Soccer

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Despite being outshot by nearly double, a Yeshiva University goal with less than five minutes to play handed the St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn) men's soccer team a 3-2 home loss in Skyline Conference action on Tuesday evening.

How it Happened

The Maccabees (7-4, 5-2 Skyline) struck first just four minutes after drawing a foul inside the box and Alberto Benhamu converting the ensuing penalty kick.

The Bears (4-12, 1-6 Skyline) drew even in the 37th minute when senior Matthias Spiegel's (Wedel, Germany/Clovis) put back a rebound off a Sergio Larios (Woodside, N.Y./William C. Bryant) shot.

Yeshiva responded less than three minutes later on a free kick when a ball landed on Menhamu's foot near the back post for an easy putaway. But the Bears equalized again just before the intermission with Joseph Sepulveda (East Elmhurst, N.Y./Bayside) freeing up Brandon Georges (Brooklyn, N.Y./New Utrecht) to send the teams into the lockers tied at 2-2.

Despite shooting against a slight wind in the second half, the Bears maintained their shot advantage, 10-7, but struggled to find their mark, putting just one on goal. All but one of the visitor's shots in the period found their target and Alejandro Oliveros (Brooklyn, N.Y./Grover Cleveland) made five saves to keep the game tied.

The Bears had several good opportunities to break the deadlock with less than 15 minutes to play with a Daniel Goncalves (Astoria, N.Y./Cathedral Prep) open look missing just wide and a Kenneth Garcia (Elmhurst, N.Y/Bayside) shot from distance ringing off the crossbar.

In the 86th minute, Jonah Beberban broke free with a long throughball and Oliveros came off his line to stop the initial rush, but Zachary Stauber cleaned up the rebound for the game-winner.

For the Bears

• Spiegel's goal was his first of the season and fourth of his career.
• Georges tallied his fourth goal of the season.
• Oliveros made five saves—all in the second half—in a losing effort.

Next up for the Bears

The Bears continue a busy week with four games in six days heading to Purchase College for a Skyline tilt on Thursday (Oct. 18) kicking off at 7 p.m.