By William Meija
BROOKLYN— York College men’s soccer secured a season-opening 2-0 victory against the Bard College Raptors (3-1) at home in a non-conference matchup from Aviator Field.
The Raptors had the advantage throughout the first half against the Cardinals as they outplayed them in shots (9-2) and corner kicks (5-1). It was a competitive game in the first half, as both teams were scoreless going into the second half. However, the Cardinals capitalized and scored in the 46th minute of the second half. As the 2019 CUNYAC Second-Team All-Star, Marvin Mondesir raced past two defenders to chip the ball over Bard College Raptors goalkeeper Walter Schwabauer. Marvin Mondesir scored a second goal from a header – assisted by Kervin Mondseir in the 84th minute. Giving the Cardinals a 2-0 lead and victory.
Marvin Mondesir was the star of the game as he led the team in five shot attempts and two goals. In addition, Kervin Mondesir got his first assist of the season. Cardinals’ goalkeeper Ahmed Algendy saved seven shots to produce his first career clean sheet in the NCAA.
York College men’s soccer head coach Courtney Boothe had high praise for Marvin Mondesir’s performance.
“His performance was outstanding; He was the best player on the field and the coaches for the opposing team said the same thing.”
The York Cardinals ended Bard College Raptors’ three-game win-streak after Bard started their season strong with a (3-0) record.
Bard College led the game in shots (19-8), shots on goal (7-5) and corner kicks (11-2). York College led the game in goals (2-0) and saves (7-3).
Coach Boothe has high expectations for his team going into the season.
“My expectations this season is to win games in our conference and make the playoffs.”
An impressive season opener win for the second-year York men’s soccer head coach Courtney Boothe. Boothe served as an assistant coach and has been with the men’s soccer program since 2018 before being promoted to head coach ahead of the 2021 season. Coach Boothe stepped in as a replacement for former head coach Al Meneses after departing from the program.
“We are proud to announce former assistant Courtney Boothe as our new men’s soccer head coach,” Director of Athletics Carl Christian wrote on the York Athletics’ website at the time of Boothe’s promotion.
“We are excited to make the move permanent. Coach Boothe is an experienced, knowledgeable and well-connected member of the local soccer community and is committed to building a foundation of commitment and success for our men’s soccer student-athletes.”
