September 2016 will go down as a month of firsts for SJC Brooklyn’s men’s and women’s soccer teams. Both teams won their first-ever games in the Skyline Conference, and both coaches won their first-ever games at the helm. Both victories came against Yeshiva University (the men’s team was successful on Sept. 1 (2-1), and the women’s team was victorious in their Sept. 15 outing (3-0).
“It was a great win for our team,” said men’s coach Ovid Cusu after the game. “The boys left everything on the field. There were moments where we were the better team, but at the same time, moments when Yeshiva dominated. We have a long road ahead of us, but I’m confident to say these kids work as a team.”
Gary Lawson won his first game for St. Joseph’s College as head coach of the women’s team.
“From the moment I stepped inside The Hill Center, I knew this was the right place for me,” Lawson said. “I am motivated greatly by the challenge of developing a team, not just to compete in the Skyline Conference, but one that will over time, be a contender among the Division III ranks.”
Men’s Team Highlights:
- The victory is the second season-opening win in team history after a 4-0 win over The New School in 2014.
- The triumph is the first over the Maccabees in six meetings, reversing a 10-3 loss last season — the most lopsided defeat of their inaugural Skyline campaign. Yeshiva was picked to finish in 7th in the preseason Skyline Coaches’ Poll while St. Joseph’s was picked to finish last in the 12-team league.
- The win snaps a 16-game winless streak dating back to October 22, 2014.
Women’s Team Highlights:
- St. Joseph’s remains unblemished against Yeshiva winning all five meetings. The three-goal game was the closest in the series.
- It is the first clean sheet posted by the Bears since a lopsided 15-0 win over Medgar Evers on October 15, 2014.
- The triumph halts a three-game skid to start the season and a 10-game losing streak dating back to last season.
- First-year Head Coach Gary Lawson picks up his first career win in four tries.
