The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy men's soccer team opened the 2026 season with a comeback victory Tuesday night, defeating Berkeley College (N.J.) 2-1 at Bartoszek Field in Kings Point. Berkeley struck first in the 12th minute when Jasen DeJesus finished a pass from Alvaro Carrera, but the Mariners responded less than five minutes later. Patrick Novotny leveled the match in the 17th minute, converting a left-footed pass from Jackson Justice for his first goal of the season. USMMA continued to generate chances throughout the opening half, outshooting Berkeley 14-5 and earning seven corner kicks before the break.
The Mariners maintained their attacking pressure in the second half, eventually finding the decisive goal in the 68th minute. Junior Robert Derwin pounced during a scramble inside the box and scored his first goal of the season to give USMMA its first lead of the night. Derwin was one of the Mariners' most active offensive players, finishing with six shots and three shots on goal. Novotny also recorded two shots on target, while Justice contributed an assist and helped USMMA maintain control in the attacking third. Overall, the Mariners finished with an 18-8 advantage in shots and a 9-2 edge in corner kicks.
Berkeley had an opportunity to pull level late in the contest, but USMMA's defense and goalkeeping held firm. Bryson Strohecker fired a shot toward goal in the 78th minute, only for senior goalkeeper James Castoro to make the save and preserve the Mariners' 2-1 advantage. Castoro played the second half and recorded one save, while Ethan Howell made two saves during the opening 45 minutes. Berkeley goalkeeper Jack Giannini kept his team in the match with four saves, but USMMA's sustained pressure ultimately proved decisive as the Mariners began the season with a victory.