Box Score

Maspeth, NY - On Saturday, November 6, the men's soccer team claimed the CUNYAC/Applebee's Men's Soccer Championship over Lehman College by way of a 2-0 victory at the Metropolitan Oval. The Hawks held the Lightning scoreless and dominated the offensive end en route to the program's fifth championship since the inception of the playoff system established in 1990.

The Hawks outplayed the Lightning in the first half as they outshot their counterparts 11-3 and had more opportunities in corner kicks, 3-1. The score remained knotted at zero until the final minute of the first half when Hugo Durand, at the 44:10 mark, sent a cross from the left side to senior Mario Baez who headed the ball past Lightning keeper, Marcos Coto-Batres, to put his team up one goal heading into the final half.

With 45 minutes remaining, Lehman dug deep to even out the score, but Hunter held their ground as a good portion of the half was played in midfield, each team fighting hard to gain possession. Finally, after 14 minutes without a shot by either side, the Hawks broke away as junior Saif Zureikat found himself in a one on one situation with just the goalie to beat. He did just that as he put the ball in the back of the net, giving his team an insurance goal.

As time ran down, the Lightning would not be able to close the gap and would have to settle for second place as the Hawks began their celebration. Hunter keeper Zade Haobsh made four saves on the night and, with the help of the defense, has not allowed a single goal in three post season games. Coto-Batres made four saves in the loss for Lehman.

Baez was named the Tournament MVP.

The Hawks earn an automatic bid to the 2010 NCAA Tournament. The selection will be made today at 2:00 pm and will be released on www.huntercollegeathletics.com when the information becomes available.