The Medgar Evers College men's soccer team opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion Saturday, scoring three second-half goals to defeat Mitchell College, 3-1, in a non-conference matchup at Alumni Field.

The victory marked the first season-opening win for the Cougars since 2010 and gave first-year head coach Kevin Blackstock a victory in his first match at the helm of the program. With the win, Medgar Evers begins the season 1-0-0, while Mitchell falls to 0-3-0.

After a scoreless opening half, Medgar Evers erupted for three goals in a span of less than six minutes early in the second half. Kevin Blackstock Jr. scored twice, while Mouhammadou Diallo added a goal as the Cougars built a 3-0 advantage before Mitchell scored late.

Blackstock Jr. opened the scoring at 58:29, finishing off an assist from Diallo to put Medgar Evers ahead 1-0. Just 4:50 later, Blackstock Jr. struck again, this time taking a pass from Shackoneal Myrurrie and converting to double the Cougars' advantage at 2-0.

The Cougars continued to apply pressure and quickly added a third goal. At 64:22, Diallo found the back of the net to make it 3-0.

Mitchell managed to get on the scoreboard in the closing minutes when Jose Pacheco converted a penalty kick at 85:52, cutting the deficit to 3-1. The Mariners could not produce another goal, however, as Medgar Evers closed out the victory.

Blackstock Jr. finished with a team-high five shots and four shots on goal, converting two of his opportunities into goals. Diallo contributed a goal and an assist while also recording four shots, including two on target. Myrurrie added five shots and an assist.

The Cougars controlled much of the attacking play throughout the contest. Medgar Evers registered 17 shots, including nine on goal, compared with eight shots and just two shots on target for Mitchell. The Cougars also held a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Medgar Evers goalkeeper Clirian Nunez played all 90 minutes and made one save while allowing only Pacheco's late penalty kick. Mitchell goalkeeper Dylan Johns was tested repeatedly, making six saves on nine shots on target.

The Cougars generated several quality chances during a scoreless first half. Mariko Diarisso forced a save from Johns in the fifth minute, while Diallo had another shot saved in the 17th minute. Darius Villaroel also tested the Mitchell goalkeeper in the 30th minute, and Joshua Mitchell and Blackstock Jr. each had shots saved late in the opening period.

Medgar Evers outshot Mitchell 9-1 in the opening 45 minutes, but was unable to produce a goal in the opening session. The Cougars ultimately finished with an 8-7 shot advantage in the second half as well.

The physical nature of the contest produced seven fouls for Medgar Evers and 12 for Mitchell.

Medgar Evers will look to make it two consecutive wins to start the 2026 campaign this Wednesday, as the Cougars travel to the Aviator Sports Complex to clash with non-conference borough foe St. Joseph's University-Brooklyn. Start-time is scheduled for 4:00pm.