Result
op-seeded Nassau Community College men's soccer advanced to the Region XV Championship game with a 2-0 shutout victory over No. 4 Borough of Manhattan Community College on Wednesday, October 28, at Mitchel Field. After a scoreless first half, Raymond Zavala broke the deadlock in the 78th minute before Kevin Reynoso Perez added an insurance goal in the closing seconds. Ismael Garcia assisted on both goals as the Lions remained unbeaten, improving to 14-0-1. After playing to a 1-1 draw against Borough of Manhattan earlier in the season, Nassau responded with a shutout performance to secure its place in the Region XV Championship. The Lions' defense was equally impressive, limiting Borough of Manhattan to four shots and preventing the Panthers from recording a single shot on goal. Victord Lozano anchored the shutout as Nassau improved to 14-0-1 and moved one victory away from the conference title.
How It Happened
Nassau controlled much of the opening half, generating five shots and three corner kicks while limiting Borough of Manhattan to just one shot. Alexis Gomez created an early opportunity in the fourth minute before forcing a save from goalkeeper Juan Moreno at 7:56. Edgar Velazquez added two attempts, including a blocked shot in the 26th minute, but the Lions were unable to break through before halftime.
The Panthers looked to gain momentum early in the second half, generating three shots and three corner kicks. However, Nassau's defense held firm, preventing Borough of Manhattan from putting a shot on goal.
The Lions began to regain offensive pressure midway through the half. Zavala sent an attempt wide in the 72nd minute before Garcia forced a save from Moreno at 77:10.
Just 15 seconds later, Nassau broke through. Garcia connected with Zavala at 77:25, and Zavala found the back of the net to give the Lions a 1-0 advantage with less than 13 minutes remaining.
Nassau continued pressing forward, with Zavala forcing another save in the 81st minute. Borough of Manhattan's comeback hopes were further limited when Doro Niang received a red card at 87:45, leaving the Panthers with 10 players for the final minutes.
The Lions sealed the victory with just nine seconds remaining. After Garcia forced another save from Moreno at 89:50, Kevin Reynoso Perez capitalized on the ensuing opportunity, scoring at 89:51 off Garcia's second assist of the match to extend Nassau's lead to 2-0.
Defensively, Nassau limited Borough of Manhattan to four total shots, none on goal, as goalkeeper Victord Lozano played all 90 minutes to secure the shutout.
Notes & Standout Performers
- Total Shots: Nassau 11, Borough of Manhattan 4
- Shots on Goal: Nassau 6, Borough of Manhattan 0
- Corner Kicks: Nassau 3, Borough of Manhattan 3
- Raymond Zavala: 1 goal, 3 shots, 2 shots on goal
- Kevin Reynoso Perez: 1 goal, 1 shot on goal
- Ismael Garcia: 2 assists, 3 shots, 2 shots on goal
- Alexis Gomez: 2 shots, 1 shot on goal
- Edgar Velazquez: 2 shots
- Victord Lozano: 90 minutes played, shutout
Up Next
No. 1 Nassau will face No. 2 Monroe University-Bronx in the Region XV Championship game on Saturday, October 31, at 3:30 PM.
The championship matchup will be a rematch of the teams' regular-season meeting, when Nassau earned a narrow 1-0 victory over Monroe-Bronx. With the Region XV title on the line, the Lions will look to repeat that result, preserve their unbeaten record, and complete their conference championship run.
Stay up to date with Nassau athletics with live streams and stats at nassaulions.com/watch. Follow the Lions on Instagram and X at @lionsncc.
