The Medgar Evers College men's soccer team battled back to even the score early in the second half, but the Cougars were unable to overcome a late offensive surge by John Jay College, dropping a 3-1 decision in CUNYAC action Wednesday at Randall's Island, Field No. 74.
After a scoreless opening stretch, John Jay broke through in the 40th minute when Greg Semsarian converted a feed from Sekou Sheriff at 39:52 to give the Bloodhounds a 1-0 advantage. Medgar Evers goalkeeper Vendel Joseph helped keep the Cougars within striking distance during the opening half, recording five saves as John Jay applied consistent pressure.
The Bloodhounds outshot the Cougars 14-2 in the first 45 minutes and earned five corner kicks, but Medgar Evers continued to compete defensively and entered halftime trailing by just one goal.
The Cougars responded in impressive fashion after the break. Shackoneal Myrurrie found the equalizer at 48:03, finishing a pass from Kevin Blackstock Jr. to bring Medgar Evers level at 1-1. The goal was Myrurrie's fifth of the season, while Blackstock Jr. collected his first assist of the contest.
With momentum seemingly shifting, Medgar Evers looked to build on the equalizer. The Cougars generated five second-half shots, including attempts from Tajae Campbell, Mariko Diarisso and Myrurrie, while continuing to seek an opening against the John Jay defense.
John Jay, however, eventually regained control of the match. Josh Clemas put the Bloodhounds back in front at 73:53, finishing a pass from Petur Larusson to make it 2-1. Just 1 minute and 34 seconds later, Sheriff added an insurance goal at 75:27, extending the visitors' advantage to 3-1.
Medgar Evers continued to push forward in the closing minutes but could not find another breakthrough before the final whistle.
John Jay finished with a commanding 24-7 advantage in shots and an 11-0 edge in corner kicks. The Bloodhounds placed 12 shots on target, while the Cougars recorded three shots on goal. Medgar Evers' goalkeeping corps combined for nine saves, with Joseph making five stops in the first half, Clirian Nunez adding three saves and Campbell recording one stop after taking over in the second half. John Jay goalkeeper Davio Rossi-Levin made two saves.
Despite the setback, Myrurrie continued his productive season by scoring his fifth goal, and Blackstock Jr. contributed an assist as the Cougars looked to build on their second-half response.
Medgar Evers will look to rebound Monday, Oct. 19, when the Cougars travel to Immaculata, Pennsylvania, to face Immaculata University. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Draper Walsh Stadium.
