Purchase, NY (Oct. 13, 2016) – The Purchase College men's soccer team celebrated four on Senior Night Thursday night at home.

The festivities provided a nice backdrop for an exciting finish. St. Joseph's College-BKLYN would hold on for the 2-1 victory, despite a last-second shot by the hosts that almost tied it up.  

Surrounded by family, friends and loved ones, the Panthers honored Matt Gavilanes (SR/Goshen, NY), Alexi Hryniuk (SR/Brooklyn, NY), Matthew Ebel (SR/Stony Brook, NY) and Connor Leavens (SR/Whitestone, NY) during a pregame ceremony MCed by Sports Information Director Bobby Ciafardini. 

"Our first senior played in 12 games in 2015, including nine starts. He is a two-year member of the Panthers, who unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury in his senior campaign. But Matt Gavilanes has still be a super teammate for the 2016 Panthers, showing his support throughout the fall," Ciafardini said. "Matt excelled as a winger and played right back last season. He will always be remembered for his heart, soul and dedication to the program. 

"Our next senior has been a standout defensive mid. Like Matt, he is a two-year member of the Panthers. Alexi Hryniuk played in 14 games last season, including six starts. He has been a solid contributor and a very coachable player for head coach James Bruno. This season, Alexi has played in 12 games, including four starts. His dad is also with us tonight and he's one of the most supportive parents, attending games at home and on the road. He's had the chance to see his son be a reliable defensive player in his two seasons in Orange and Blue.

"Matthew Ebel has battled back from injury to return for his final season. The standout forward was a key contributor on the 2014 Skyline Conference championship team and NCAA tournament participant – his first season at Purchase. In his first season, Ebel played in 18 games with 17 starts, scoring two goals and one assist. He returned in 2015 – limited by injury – to play in four games with two goals. Ebel showed true perseverance in getting back for the 2016 season. This fall, he has played in 12 games with one goal and 21 shots.

"And last but certainly not least, our captain, Connor Leavens. The senior defender is a four-year contributor for the Orange and Blue. He is a quiet leader, who began his journey here at purchase in 2013. That year, he played in 14 games. In 2014, Leavens, like Ebel, was a key member of the championship squad. He played in 16 games with 12 starts in 2014. Last fall, Leavens continued to improve and show his defensive abilities, suiting up in 11 games. This year, Leavens has anchored our defense. He has played in 11 games, recording 621 minutes. Defenders don't often get the love they should, but Connor has been as important to the team as any, and will be missed dearly."

Following the senior speeches, the Panthers leapt out to a 1-0 lead, holding that slim margin at the half. Midfielder Yianni Amvrosiatos (SO/Warwick, NY) provided the game's opening strike off a feed from Stephen Gueye (FR/Eastchester, NY). Amvrosiatos' first goal of the fall handed the Panthers a 1-0 lead.

But the Bears would take control back in the second half. Michael Ortiz, off an assist from Cesar Oviedo, tied the game at 1-1 (67:39). Oviedo sent it in on the corner kick. For Ortiz, it is his first goal of the season. 

Oviedo would later play the role of hero, sinking what turned out to be the game winner at 76:23. His third goal of the season was assisted by Mateusz Georges.

The Panthers would have their chances late in the period. Amvrosiatos nearly tied the game on a brilliant feed from Aidan Leavens (SO/Whitestone, NY) – the younger brother of Connor. Leavens flicked the ball to Amvrosiatos with eight seconds remaining. The shot was saved by SJC-BKLYN keeper Julian Rodriguez.

The Panthers were paced by seniors Hryniuk, Leavens, Ebel, keeper Thomas Ogrodnik (JR/Washingtonville, NY), Gueye, Amvrosiatos, Liam Nethercott (JR/Amenia, NY), Ramsey Heitmann (SO/Garrison, NY), Liam McMahon (SO/Holbrook, NY), Oliver Dubreus (SO/Cornwall, NY) and defenders Anthony Iurillo (JR/Flushing, NY) and Aaron Jones (FR/Highland Falls, NY).