ROCHESTER, N.Y. (9/4/16) – Interim head coach John Velasco earned his first collegiate victory as the Kean University men's soccer team topped Saint John Fisher College 1-0 in Rochester on Sunday. Sev Kherlopian converted a penalty kick at 19:35 for the only goal of the contest.
Kean dominated the defensive end. Goalkeeper Brad Watkins, who earned the shutout victory, was only asked to make one save on the afternoon. The Cougars outshot Fisher 15-8 and owned a 6-4 advantage in corner kicks.
In contrast, Kean tested Cardinal keeper Joe Catalfamo eight times. He also stopped every shot from the field but could not keep Kherlopian's PK out of the cage.
Kherlopian's goal was the first score of the year for the Cougars, who have allowed just one goal in 180 minutes thus far this season.
Kenny Rocha took three shots on Sunday, second only to Kherlopian's five in the game.
Rochester won the Flower City title for the eighth straight year and the 14th time in 27 years. The Yellowjackets won both games for six points in the standings. Kean and Keuka College were both 1-1 (Kean finished second on goal difference), and St. John Fisher finished fourth. The Cardinals were 0-2.
Alex DiPerna of Rochester was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. The Best Offensive Player was Rochester's Jeff Greblick. The Best Defensive Player was Tim Dutchak (pictured left) of Kean.
Though Sunday's game was played in Rochester, New York, where St. John fisher College is located, it is officially listed as a neutral site game. Kean will next play its first home match of the season on Tuesday against Saint Joseph's College of Long Island beginning at 7:30 p.m.
