YONKERS, N.Y. — The Sarah Lawrence College men's soccer team built an early three-goal lead and held on for a 3-2 victory over St. Joseph's University, Brooklyn, in Skyline Conference action Saturday, October 10, at Fleming Field.
The Gryphons struck three times in the opening 22 minutes, with Kairos Diaz, Dylan Peavoy and Connor Saul each finding the back of the net to give Sarah Lawrence a commanding advantage.
Diaz opened the scoring in the 15th minute, finishing a pass from Saul to put the Gryphons ahead 1-0. The goal marked Diaz's seventh of the season and eighth of his career, while Saul recorded his second assist of the season and seventh of his career. Just over two minutes later, Diaz set up Peavoy for his second goal of the season and fourth of his career in the 17th minute, recording the first assist of his career and doubling the Gryphons' lead.
Sarah Lawrence continued its offensive surge in the 22nd minute when Saul converted a feed from Conner Jennings to make it 3-0. The goal marked Saul's third of the season and sixth of his career, while Jennings recorded his fourth assist of the season and career.
St. Joseph's-Brooklyn cut into the deficit in the 42nd minute, as Joaquin Franco scored to make it 3-1 heading into halftime.
The Bears continued to apply pressure in the second half, with Franco finding the net again in the 63rd minute to bring the visitors within one. Sarah Lawrence's defense held firm over the final 27 minutes to preserve the victory.
Goalkeeper Jonah Zalis played the full 90 minutes for the Gryphons, recording a season-high seven saves while facing 19 shots, including nine on target.
The Bears held a 19-11 advantage in shots, while Sarah Lawrence put seven attempts on target and earned two corner kicks.
The victory improves Sarah Lawrence to 4-5-5 overall and 2-3-2 in Skyline Conference play. St. Joseph's-Brooklyn falls to 1-7-2 overall and 0-6 in conference action.
The Gryphons return to action on Saturday, October 17, as they head to Mount Saint Vincent for a 3:00 p.m. Skyline matchup.
