ARLINGTON, Va. – The Marymount University men's soccer team earned a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Mt. Aloysius College at Long Bridge Park on Wednesday evening.

It was a physical affair under the lights, but the Saints' offensive skill shined through with a 17-11 advantage in shots and a 6-2 edge in corner kicks. While Marymount deposited three goals on the offensive end of the pitch, the Saints' defense, led by an 87-minute performance from Christian Melendez, allowed the Mounties to record just three shots on goal.

Mt. Aloysius managed to strike first as Colby Snyder snuck a shot past Eduardo Cardonne in the fourth minute. Marymount didn't waver, however, and answered on a corner kick chance in the 15th minute. Derek Rivera served a looping ball into the box which Carlos Varona met in mid-air. The junior connected with a header to knot the score at 1-1.

The remainder of the first half took place in the middle of the park with plenty of physicalities as both teams jostled for the next goal. The Mounties managed to take the lead six minutes into the second half, but the Saints answered once again in the 75th minute.

Sophomore Axel Gonzalez started the play with a long ball into the box from the right side of the field. Varona got his head to the ball once again and flicked the ball across the box to Jared Williams. The sophomore made no mistake and rifled a shot past Mt. Aloysius' Tucker Hays.

With a one-goal lead, the Saints continued to push for another marker. The effort paid off in the 82nd minute via Evan Vargas. The rookie launched a long-range effort from close to 30 yards out that bounced past the Mounties' netminder and into the net for the game-winner. For Vargas, a defender by trade, the goal marked the first of his career.

Marymount's midfield and defense dictated the remainder of the contest as the Saints secured the victory.

The Saints return to the field on Saturday, October 9, when they trek to Scranton, Pennsylvania, for a battle against Marywood University at 2:00 p.m.

Post-Game Interview