Brazilian breaks school record in dominant 5-0 win over New Hampshire at home opener

QUEENS, N.Y. – History unfolded at Cox Family Field Thursday night as freshman defender Guilherme Gomes became the first freshman in St. John’s University history to score four goals in a single game. The Brazilian’s record-breaking performance powered the Red Storm to a commanding 5-0 victory over New Hampshire in their home opener.

Gomes joined an exclusive company, becoming just the second player in program history to score four or more goals in one match. His eight-point night matched a feat not accomplished since Fred Bischoff’s performance on October 23, 1982.

Lightning-Fast Hat Trick Stuns Wildcats

The São Paulo native wasted no time making his mark. After earning a penalty in the 28th minute, Gomes stepped up and calmly converted to give St. John’s the lead.

What happened next was pure magic. Gomes completed his hat trick in just 6 minutes and 13 seconds. His second goal came from a perfectly placed header off Jeremy Sharp’s cross in the 32nd minute. Two minutes later, he unleashed a spectacular long-range strike that sailed over the New Hampshire goalkeeper.

The goals kept coming. Luca Fargnoli added his first collegiate goal with a brilliant solo effort that struck the crossbar before finding the net. In just 10 minutes and 11 seconds, St. John’s had built a 4-0 halftime lead that left the 623 fans in attendance stunned.

Numbers Tell Dominant Story

St. John’s controlled every aspect of the match. The Red Storm outshot New Hampshire 19-3 and fired 19 of the game’s final 21 shots. They held 54% possession while creating chances at will.

Gomes finished with six shots, four on target, converting at a 67% rate. His four goals tied him for third all-time in single-game goals and points in program history. The performance made him the first Big East player to score four goals since Creighton’s Duncan McGuire in 2022.

Goalkeeper Alec McLachlan earned his second shutout in three games this season. His early diving save on Max Voigt’s header kept New Hampshire from taking an early lead and shifted the momentum completely.

Second Half Completes Masterpiece

Gomes capped his historic night in the 75th minute. After excellent buildup play from Godwin Partey and Antonio Biggs, the freshman volleyed home a bouncing ball in the penalty area to complete his four-goal haul.

The victory marked several milestones for St. John’s. It was their largest home opener margin since beating FDU 5-0 on September 10, 2010. The five-goal difference represented their biggest win since routing Temple 7-1 on September 11, 2023.

Tactical Brilliance Pays Off

Head coach Dave Masur’s game plan worked to perfection. St. John’s high press forced numerous turnovers while quick passing combinations consistently created space in the attacking third.

Sharp’s four shots from defense showed his attacking threat. Partey’s tireless work in midfield provided the platform for the team’s success. The Red Storm accumulated 14 total points on the evening, showcasing their attacking depth.

New Hampshire had few answers. The Wildcats managed just three shots with only two on target. Their best chance came early through Voigt’s header, but McLachlan’s save set the tone for St. John’s dominance.

Game Highlights

Big Test Awaits

The victory improves St. John’s to 2-1-0 heading into their biggest challenge yet. The Red Storm travel to face No. 5 Wake Forest on Sunday at 7 p.m., where they’ll test their early-season form against ranked opposition.

Coach Masur extends his impressive home opener record to 25-4-6 all-time in Queens. The veteran coach will be pleased with his team’s clinical finishing and defensive organization as they build toward conference play.

New Hampshire falls to 0-2-1 and must regroup after being outplayed in every phase. The Wildcats earned just one corner kick and struggled to maintain possession against St. John’s relentless pressure.

Gomes’ historic performance signals that St. John’s possesses serious attacking firepower. As the freshman continues adapting to American college soccer, nights like this suggest the Red Storm could be in for something special this season.

Match Officials: Referee Brian Dunn, Assistant Referees Jamiel Ahmad and Jose Arana, Alternate Official Christian Gonzalez
Attendance: 623

SJU Men’s Soccer News:

• St. John’s Falls to No. 23 Hofstra 2-0 Despite Second-Half Surge
• St. John’s Takes Down Temple in Season Opener 1-0

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