HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College men's soccer team started the season on a high note with a 2-0 shutout win over Plymouth State on the opening day of the 2025 campaign.  

The first goal of the team's 2025 season almost came just seven minutes into the game, as senior Noel Huliselan (Jakarta, Indonesia) broke past the Panthers' defense for a one-on-one with the opposing goalie, but the ball was deflected just wide of the net to keep the game scoreless. 

The team had to wait just 15 minutes longer when junior Erik Corbin (Marlborough, Mass.) capitalized on the chaos in front of the Plymouth State net on an NEC corner kick. Junior Chase Gurtowsky (Torrington, Conn.) was credited with the assist on the early go-ahead goal. 

The 'Grims would hold onto their 1-0 lead until the 75th minute when they would double their advantage on freshman Cooper Foster's (Ashby, Mass.) first career goal, assisted by fellow first-year Amit Solomon (Wilton, Conn.) to provide the NEC defense with a larger cushion.  

It turned out that one would have been enough as junior Lukas Tate (South Jordan, Utah) tallied his first shutout of the season, making five saves including a key stop in the final two minutes of the game. 

NEC will look to stay hot as they take a 1-0 record into another non-conference game against UMaine-Presque Isle tomorrow at 3:00 PM at Don Melander Field. 

For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.