CALDWELL, N.J.- The Caldwell University men's soccer team held off a late charge as they defeated Molloy College 2-1 in their home opener.
 
The Cougars improve to 2-3-1 overall, while the Lions fall to 1-4-0.
 
The Lions held the first half advantage in shots 10-2 but Caldwell broke through in the 31st minute. Freshman Alessandro Canino (Parma, Italy) crossed the ball in the box to sophomore Luca Cacciottolo (Boonton, N.J.), who chipped it past the Molloy keeper for a 1-0 lead. Molloy created a couple of opportunities late in the half but the Cougars held the lead at the half.
 
Caldwell added to their lead midway through the second half as sophomore Michael Echeverria (Linden, N.J.) header the ball into the net off a corner kick from senior Sam Odell (Walton-On-Thames, England) in the 76th minute.
 
Molloy closed the gap two minutes later as they cut the score to 2-1 with 22 minutes left in the game. The Lions created several scoring chances down the stretch but the Cougars held on for the victory.
 
Freshman Nils Svere (Lier, Norway) played 90 minutes and recorded five saves.
 
The Cougars host Jefferson in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference match up on Friday, September 15 at 6:30 at the Kiwanis Oval.