North Branch, NJ-- The RVCC men's soccer team lost in it's regular season opener to Union County College on Tuesday, September 6th. Union struck first 33 minutes in when freshman midfielder Christian Avilla put a free kick into the back of the net. A couple minutes later freshman midfielder Brian Orelllana got control of a loose ball in the box and punched it in to extend the lead to 2-0. In the second period, freshman midfielder Damar Blackwood converted on a breakaway to make it 3-0.
The Lions struggled to generate offense against the tight Union defensive and middle lines as they had only four shots on goal. Freshman goalkeeper Alex Meney put forth an outstanding effort in the net with nine saves. Meney, a Phillipsburg, NJ native stopped a couple of solo breakaways, as well as several other shots that easily could have wound up in the back of the net. Freshman defenseman Matthew Parris played well on defense both halves, as he stopped several attacks from the Union offense. Sophomore defenseman Romeo Lopez also contributed with a solid defensive effort.
Next up for the Lions is an away game this Friday the 9th at Williamson College of the Trades beginning at 6:30pm.
