BROOKVILLE, N.Y. - LIU (4-2-5) secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Le Moyne (2-8) on Thursday afternoon at LIU Soccer Park, with Niklas Thanhofer's 82nd-minute strike proving the difference in a tightly contested match.
Kai Philipp opened the scoring for LIU in the 15th minute, connecting on a well-placed assist from Tal Levy. Le Moyne responded through Antonino Pagano in the 23rd minute, who finished clinically after being set up by Vito Kreuzpaintner. The match remained deadlocked until Thanhofer's decisive late goal in the 82nd minute.
The first half saw both teams trading opportunities, with Le Moyne generating early pressure through Felix Ludemann's blocked shot in the 3rd minute. LIU's Niklas Thanhofer tested the goalkeeper with a low drive in the 4th minute, setting the tone for an end-to-end opening period. The Dolphins showed defensive resilience, though they were dealt a setback when Bryce Koagel received a yellow card in the 26th minute for unsporting behavior.
The second half intensity increased as both teams pursued the winner. Le Moyne's Francesco Pagano created several dangerous opportunities, including two quick shots in the 72nd minute that tested the LIU defense. The match's complexion shifted in the final twenty minutes, with both sides receiving yellow cards - LIU's Nic Robinson in the 77th minute and Andrew Marotta in the 80th minute, followed by Le Moyne's Mattia Boldrini in the 81st minute.
Statistical analysis reveals the competitive nature of the contest, with Le Moyne recording 14 shot attempts to LIU's 9, while putting 8 on target compared to LIU's 4. The Dolphins earned 5 corner kicks to LIU's 4, though LIU's efficiency proved decisive with their conversion rate. Both teams showed discipline was an issue, with Le Moyne collecting 4 yellow cards to LIU's 2.
Individual performances highlighted the match's intensity. Giuliano Michitti demonstrated his offensive prowess for Le Moyne with multiple threatening attempts, while Thanhofer proved the hero for LIU with his match-winning goal. Le Moyne's goalkeeper recorded 2 crucial saves, while LIU's netminder impressed with 7 stops throughout the match.
Tactically, both teams emphasized quick transitions and wing play, with Le Moyne particularly effective in creating opportunities through their midfield. LIU's defensive organization improved in the second half, limiting Le Moyne's clear chances despite facing more shots. The introduction of fresh legs through substitutions - including Le Moyne's tactical changes with Noah Morelli and Aiden Granger in the 61st minute - added new dynamics to the match.
The result extends LIU's unbeaten run and demonstrates their ability to secure results in close matches, improving their record to 4-2-5. For Le Moyne, despite creating more chances, the loss drops them to 2-8 on the season, though their offensive output suggests potential for improvement.
Looking ahead, LIU will aim to build on this momentum when they travel to face FDU on October 12th, while Le Moyne has a week to regroup before hosting Mercyhurst on October 16th. The match showcased both teams' competitive spirit, with LIU's clinical finishing ultimately proving the difference in a well-contested affair.