THROGGS NECK, NY - The Maritime College men's soccer team earned a crucial 2-0 Skyline Conference victory over Yeshiva University on Friday afternoon. The win improved Maritime to 4-5-1 in conference play, with a chance to make the playoffs entering Tuesday's matchup against St. Joseph's Brooklyn. 

The first half saw multiple chances to take a lead from both squads, however, the defenses held strong and were able to keep the score knotted at 0-0 entering halftime. Despite the even score, the Privateers dominated possession as they registered 12 shots, compared to just three from the Macabees. Additionally, Maritime tallied seven corner kicks in the half.

The Privateers continued to pressure Yeshiva's defense in the second half and they finally broke through in the 53rd minute of action. Christopher Tavernese (Garden City, N.Y./Garden City) drew a crucial foul just outside the box and close to the endline, where Thomas Kropp (East Northport, N.Y./Northport) then lined up a free kick for Maritime. Kropp sent the kick perfectly over the defense, where Justin Forrest (Lusby, Md./Patuxent) was waiting and perfectly placed a header past the outstretched goalie. 

Maritime's defense continued to send away all offensive attempts from the Macabees, and they were eventually able to counter attack and knock in their second goal of the game. Tavernese found Anthony Sblendorio (Bay Shore, N.Y./Bay Shore) at the top of the box in the 88th minute, who struck the ball into the lower right corner of the net to solidify the 2-0 conference win.

The Privateers currently sit at 6th overall in the standings at 4-5-1. They will face off against St. Joseph's Brooklyn in the final conference game of the season on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. on Reinhart Field.