New York, NY – The Hunter men's soccer team dropped their season opener on Wednesday night to NYU by a score of 2-1. Despite getting on the board first and holding the lead for the majority of the game, two late goals by NYU proved to be enough to steal the first-game victory. With the loss, the Hawks drop to 0-1 while the Violets move to 1-0.
 
Last year's leading scorer and second-team CUNYAC All-Star, Brandon Fiscina, put the Hawks on the board early on. In just the opening 20 seconds, teammate Fausto Perez sent a cross over the NYU defense where he found a waiting Fiscina who chipped the ball past NYU keeper, Lucas Doucette, for the quick 1-0 lead.
 
NYU launched 11 first half shots in an effort to level the playing field but Garrett Babbitt held strong in net for the Hawks, earning three of his five saves in the first act.
 
The Violet offense pressed on through the first and continued into the second, testing the Purple and Gold's defense which withstood their attack until the 74^th minute. It was at that time when Robert Shellow, on an assist from Petter Aasa, netted the equalizer on a long cross from midfield.
 
Less than seven minutes later, Aasa earned his second assist of the game when he set up Malcolm Montilus for NYU's second and final goal of the game.
 
Hunter was out-shot 19-7 and was at a 5-1 disadvantage in corner kicks.
 
The Hawks return to action this weekend when they head to Pennsylvania for a match against Bryn Athyn at 3pm on Saturday, September 5 followed by a contest against the University of Valley Forge the following day at 1pm.