HOBOKEN, N.J. (September 9, 2017)  – Reigning Empire 8 Conference Rookie of the Year Daniel Aversano snapped a scoreless tie in the 87th minute, junior Aaron Henry recorded a clean sheet, and the Stevens Institute of Technology men's soccer team defeated Vassar College, 1-0, Saturday evening.

Taking a feed from junior Andrew Masur from just outside the 18-yard box, Aversano chipped a shot towards the net. Vassar goalkeeper Matt Marcelino left his position on the goal line and sprinted towards the play and deflected Aversano's shot. The junior midfielder deftly pounced on the loose ball and pushed the ball over a now out-of-position Marcelino, and a Vassar back, into a wide-open net for the game's lone goal.

Henry made six saves to earn his third victory of the season and the third clean sheet of his career. The Ducks won their second consecutive game to move to 3-1 on the season and earned their eighth straight victory over Vassar.

Marcelino made four saves for Vassar, who fell to 2-2 on the season, and 3-13-2 all-time versus Stevens.

Pivotal Point

• Aversano fired three shots on goal during the match, the first of which occurred in the 67 minute.
• The Allendale, New Jersey native fired a crossing shot into the upper left corner of the goal. 
• Marcelino dove to his right and snagged the ball from midair. It was Stevens' best scoring chance of the match to that point.
• Postgame, Aversano cited that shot and save as "something that lifted the guys" due to the nature in which the shot developed and the great save from the Vassar goalkeeper. 

Inside the Numbers

• Vassar held a 21-9 edge in shots, including an 11-6 margin in the second half. 
• Despite the wide margin on shot attempts, Vassar only fired one more shot on net (6-5) than Stevens.
• Vassar held a 9-5 advantage in corners, including a 6-1 margin in the second half. 
• It was the fifth game-winning goal of Aversano's career.

Unsung Hero

• Although he earned his third career clean sheet, Henry's save from point-blank range on Vassar's Kevin Bailat was the play of the game. Bailat's first shot attempt was blocked, but the rebound caromed back to the forward, who attempt to fire one past the Fayetteville, Arkansas native, but Henry was up to the task, sliding to his left and cradling the ball with his body to keep the match scoreless.

From the Sidelines

• "Pleased to come away with the result despite the attacking pressure Vassar put us under."
• "We have another huge game tomorrow to look forward to."

Up Next

• Stevens welcome Springfield College to the DeBaun Athletic Complex for a non-conference fixture to close out a two-game homestand.
• Live stats and video links are available at StevensDucks.com

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