ALBANY, N.Y. - The College of Saint Rose got out to an early 1-0 lead only to fall 2-1 against visiting Mercy College in tonight's season-opener for both squads at the Plumeri Sports Complex.
The Mavericks (1-0), who have advanced to the NCAA Championship Tournament throughout two of the past three seasons, leveled the match in the 42nd minute and struck with the game-winner in the 88th.
Junior forward
Hilmar Halldorsson put the Golden Knights (0-1) up 1-0 with 11 minutes expired after he was tripped in the area by Mercy sophomore keeper Eirik Elvestad. Halldorsson's ensuing penalty kick was turned aside by Elevestad, but he instinctively pounced on the rebound to deliver the game's first goal.
The Mavericks leveled it when junior midfielder Daniel Rodriguez got to a loose bouncing ball in the area and drove his shot home. Another loose ball resulted in the game-winner when senior back Benjamin Van Buren headed in a bouncing ball that floated over the head of Saint Rose senior keeper
Ryan Henning and across the goal line.
Overall, the Golden Knights manufactured a 10-9 edge in shots although Mercy engineered a 5-2 advantage in threats-on-target, and produced five corners while surrendering three.
Henning recorded three saves for Saint Rose, while Elvestad made one stop at the other end.
Looking ahead, the Golden Knights are back home Saturday to host Caldwell University at 6:00 pm. Meanwhile, the Mavericks have their 2022 home opener Sunday versus New Haven.
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