NEW HAVEN, CONN. — The Sarah Lawrence College men's soccer team opened its 2026 season Wednesday evening, falling to Albertus Magnus College, 2-0.
The Falcons controlled much of the possession and offensive pressure throughout the contest, outshooting the Gryphons, 16-7, including a 7-3 advantage in shots on goal. Albertus Magnus also held an 8-1 edge in corner kicks, while Sarah Lawrence was whistled for six fouls compared to eight for the Falcons.
After a scoreless opening half, Albertus Magnus broke through in the 56th minute. A Sarah Lawrence foul inside the box resulted in a penalty kick, which Lorenzo Lauria converted to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead and record his first goal of the season.
The Gryphons responded with a strong offensive push, as
Matthew Donnis recorded three consecutive shots over the next four minutes in an effort to level the score.
Albertus Magnus, however, added an insurance goal in the 68th minute to extend its advantage to 2-0.
Sarah Lawrence had several opportunities to get on the scoreboard.
Ryan Gunderson struck the crossbar in the 14th minute before recording another shot in the 39th minute that sailed high. In the second half, Gunderson and
Dean Brown each put shots on target, but both were turned away by Albertus Magnus goalkeeper Patrick Cavalieri.
Donnis and Gunderson combined for six of the Gryphons' seven shots, with each recording one shot on goal. In net,
Jonah Zalis played all 90 minutes and finished with three saves.
Seven Gryphons went the full 90 minutes: Zalis,
Benjamin Berkson,
Josh Cecutti, Gunderson,
Dylan Peavoy,
Conner Jennings, and
Noah Oduwole.
Sarah Lawrence will look to bounce back Thursday, Sept. 2, when the Gryphons travel to York College (N.Y.) for a non-conference matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
