PURCHASE, N.Y. - The Purchase College men's soccer team celebrated its 2024 Senior Night Tuesday evening, before falling to St. Joseph's University-Brooklyn in a Skyline Conference matchup.

The final score was 3-1. With the result, the Panthers dropped to 1-13 overall and 0-10 in the league. For the Bears, they moved to 6-5-3 and 5-2-2, respectively.

The night kicked off with a pregame celebration for the six graduating seniors - Jack Gjokaj (Thornwood, NY), Bart Moroney (Breezy Point, NY), Liam George (Brooklyn, NY), Leo Conte (New York, NY), Mateo Nieto-Buie (Brooklyn, NY) and Luke Robinson (Newfoundland, Canada) - as prepared words were read and gifts were given.

The group then took pictures with family and teammates to commemorate the event, before shifting to the task ahead - the Bears.

It didn't take long for the guests to strike, as they found the back of the net in just the third minute. 

After the defense settled for the Blue and Orange, the offense went on the attack and nearly found an equalizer during a three-minute run in the 15th minute.

Over the span, the hosts forced St. Joseph's into four saves, including one by a defender right on the goal line. But the guests resisted and continued to lead.

As the first half neared completion, the Bears doubled the margin and made it a 2-0 game at the break.

Following halftime, St. Joseph's scored its final goal of the evening in the 61st minute, before the Panthers got one back just minutes later.

In the 67th, Conte light up the scoreboard with an individual effort, as he snuck one past the keeper to cap his Senior Night with a nice highlight.

It wasn't enough though, as the hosts fell to the Skyline rivals, 3-1.

Overall, the two sides produced similar shot totals (17-16), while Brooklyn enjoyed a better margin on goal (10-6).

In goal, Nicolas Nunez finished with seven saves in the effort.

Up next for the Panthers is the Skyline finale, as the squad hosts Manhattanville University on October 26th at 2:30 p.m.

To read the Senior Night script, scroll below:

Before tonight's game, the Purchase College men's soccer team would like to take a few moments to honor its six graduating seniors on Senior Night. The following words were put together by head coach George Gjokaj.
 
Our first senior of the night is co-captain #5 Bart Moroney! Bart is a hard-working fierce competitor that NEVER backs down. He is truly an admirable and inspiring young man who will give you his heart and soul EVERY time he steps on the field. Over his four years, Moroney has started all 55 games he has played in, scored three goals and collected two assists over 4500 minutes of action. Everyone put your hands together for #5 Bart Moroney.
 
Next, #8 Liam George - Liam in my humble opinion is one of the BEST soccer players this conference has ever seen. His commitment to working both offensively and defensively are truly admirable. He will be impossible to replace. For his three-year career, George has appeared in 43 games with 41 starts, totaling 10 goals and nine assists over 3500 minutes with the Panthers. Put your hands together for #8, Liam George.
 
Our third senior, #18 Luke Robinson - Luke has suffered through two ACL tears in his time at Purchase and has never ceased to amaze us all with his positive spirit and resiliency. A fierce competitor with outstanding game intelligence, Luke has a way of making everyone around him better. Over his four-year career, Robinson has played in 37 games with 28 starts, finishing with an assist over 2,000 minutes as a defender. Congrats to #18 Luke Robinson.
 
Our next senior, #13 Mateo Nieto-Buie - Mateo evolved into the foundation cornerstone of the Purchase College Defense and his unfortunate knee injury earlier this year showed everyone what he means to this team. Plain and simple "don't ever bet against Mateo, this kid is a winner and NEVER gives up. An Absolute warrior"! For his four-year career, he's played in 39 games with 28 starts and over 2400 minutes of action. Congrats to #13 Mateo Nieto Buie!
 
Next, #10 Leo Conte - The kindest soul you could ask for. Leo is an amazing soccer player and the kindest most supportive person possible. Loved by ALL, Leo embodies what we hope a Purchase College student athlete represents. During his four -year career, Conte has appeared in 57 games with 54 starts, totaling 11 goals and 14 assists over 4,000 minutes. Put your hands together for #10 Leo Conte.
 
And finally, the last senior of the night #1 Jack Gjokaj - Our stalwart Goalkeeper who current leads the Skyline Conference in saves, has allowed us to win games that we probably should not have during his tenure. Jack's humor and personality have made for some very special and unforgettable moments on bus rides and the locker room. A fierce and fearless competitor, Gjokaj has thrown his body on the line without hesitation. Over two years with the Panthers, Jack has played in 28 games with 26 starts, totaling 175 saves and a .691 save percentage over 2300 minutes of play.

Congrats to all six seniors on wonderful careers and enjoy a great senior night!