Box Score 

WAYNE, N.J. – Sophomore midfielder Bryan Manfria (Nutley, N.J./Nutley) made it a one-goal game when he scored during the 61st minute, but the 13th-ranked William Paterson men's soccer team (9-1-2, 4-0-1 NJAC) lost its first game of the season, 2-1, to visiting U.S. Merchant Marine (9-4) Oct.8 at Pioneer Soccer Park.

Manfria knocked in his first goal of the season for the Pioneers, whose final shot sailed high with 15 seconds left in the game.

William Paterson's leading scorer, sophomore Julian Valerio (Manalapan, N.J./Manalapan), finished with four shots on goal, his best opportunity coming during the 80th minute when the Mariners' goalkeeper came off his line. Valerio gained possession along the line, curled right and sent the ball toward the empty net, which was then saved and cleared by junior Ryan Hadley.

Mariners freshman midfielder Casey Desiderio was credited with the first goal in the game, when his shot was deflected into the upper corner of the net and beyond the reach of junior goalkeeper Dan Peragallo (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick).

Peragallo recorded five saves in the loss, his first of the season. Lucas Larson collected five saves to earn his second win for USMMA.

U.S. Merchant Marine tacked on another goal during the 53rd minute with a two-on-one play. Kyle Luetjen raced upfield on a breakaway and passed to his left, where a trailing Andrew MacKenzie scored to give the Mariners a commanding two-goal advantage. 

William Paterson will return to action Monday, Oct. 13, when it hosts Staten Island at 7:00 p.m.