Demiray Hat Trick, Amer Adds Two in Phoenix Victory

Randall's Island, NY – The Vaughn College men's soccer team earned a thrilling 5-4 victory over Cooper Union on Sunday afternoon, fueled by a standout offensive effort from Yusuf Demiray, who recorded his first career hat trick. With both teams trading late goals, the Phoenix showed composure down the stretch to secure another home victory.

Match Overview

First Half:
Vaughn opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Demiray finished a pass from Moaz Amer, giving the Phoenix early momentum and a 1–0 advantage heading into halftime. Goalkeeper Kleider Rodriguez anchored the defense with eight first-half saves to maintain the clean sheet.

Second Half:
Amer wasted little time doubling Vaughn's lead, scoring unassisted in the 46th minute. Four minutes later, Demiray struck again, this time assisted by Rodriguez to make it 3–0.

Cooper Union responded with a pair of goals to tighten the match at 3–2, but Amer answered back with his second of the afternoon in the 65th minute. After another Cooper Union goal cut the lead to one, Demiray completed his hat trick in the 87th minute for a crucial insurance tally. Cooper Union found the net once more in the final moments, but Vaughn held firm to close out the match.

Key Performances

Vaughn College:

• Yusuf Demiray: Hat trick performance (3 goals), including the game-winner

• Moaz Amer: 2 goals and 1 assist, active on both ends of the pitch

• Kleider Rodriguez: 8 first-half saves to protect the early lead

Cooper Union:

• S. Helbig / J. Park / G. Harrison / M. Ragib Noor: Each recorded a goal in the second half surge

Game Statistics

Final Score: Vaughn 5, Cooper Union 4

Total Shots: Vaughn 21, Cooper Union 31

Shots on Goal: Vaughn 15, Cooper Union 18

Saves: Vaughn 14, Cooper Union 10

Corner Kicks: Vaughn 1, Cooper Union 3

Fouls: Vaughn 4, Cooper Union 2