ALBANY–Mercy scored the game's lone goal to upend The College of Saint Rose in the season-opener for both clubs tonight at Sullivan Field at the Plumeri Sports Complex. Freshman midfielder Donovan Cesar struck for the Mavericks (1-0) midway through the second half for what proved to be the game-winner.
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The game featured few scoring opportunities. However, sophomore midfielder Haxhi Verjoni sent in a cross from the near right end line that Cesar delivered into the back of the net with 63:59 elapsed.
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Saint Rose (0-1) did have its chances. In the 17th minute, sophomore forward
Romaine Williamson made a nice turn with a defender on his back and delivered a strike from the middle of the area that forced Mavericks sophomore keeper Julio Sanchez to make a diving stop to his right. Three minutes after Mercy struck, junior midfielder
Joshua Hanif gathered a Williamson feed and dribbled to within 10-yards of the near right post and let go a threat that was barely deflected wide.
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Senior keeper
Colan Balkwell made five saves, including a nifty one midway through the first period when he got off his feet to deflect a free kick from freshman midfielder Lucca Lacerda over the crossbar. At the other end, Sanchez accounted for all of Mercy's three saves throughout the first half.
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