Lopez and Moody-Stuart Lift Firebirds to First Conference Win of the Season

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The University of the District of Columbia men's soccer team picked up its first East Coast Conference win of the season, defeating D'Youville University 2–1 on Saturday afternoon at the UDC Turf Field.

The Firebirds struck first in the 24th minute after Isaiah Daniel was fouled inside the box, setting up a penalty kick that Ignacio Lopez calmly buried for his third goal of the season. Just minutes later, the Firebirds doubled their lead when Alexander Moody-Stuart danced around two defenders after a perfectly timed pass from Zachary Parker, slotting home the eventual game-winner to make it 2–0.

D'Youville cut the deficit in the 54th minute through a goal by Dylan Danch, but the Firebirds' back line stayed organized and composed down the stretch. Goalkeeper Sergio Becerra anchored the defense with five saves, including several key stops late in the match to preserve the win.

UDC outshot D'Youville 16–13 and matched them in corner kicks (5–5).

With the win, the Firebirds improve to 5–3–2 overall and 1–2–2 in ECC play, while Head Coach Matthew Thompson officially records his 200th career victory as a collegiate head coach — a testament to his leadership and consistent success across multiple seasons.

Next up, UDC welcomes Caldwell University to the UDC Turf Field for a non Conference matchup on Wednseday, October 15.