HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College men's soccer team fell in their Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) opener to Regis College at home on Saturday at the Don Melander Field. 

In the 27th minute, Nolan McMahon gave Regis an early 1-0 lead as the junior was on the receiving end of a header off a Pride corner kick, with McMahon sending the second header into the back of the Pilgrim net.  

NEC put two shots on net in the first half to Regis' three, with the Pilgrims' best opportunity coming in the 33rd minute when junior Chase Gurtowsky (Torrington, Conn.) dribbled through the defense for a one-on-one with the opposing goalie, but Regis goalie Chris Alcon made a strong save for the Pride to retain their lead into halftime. 

The Pride would extend their lead to two in the 52nd minute as Reynaldo Bautista buried his first goal of the season to provide a two-goal cushion for the visitors. 

Bautista's goal would prove pivotal as less than four minutes later, the Pilgrims got on the board; Senior Wyatt Flibbert (Windham, Maine) stole possession away from the Pride in the offensive zone and sent a quick pass back to senior Anthony Aguiar (Gilford, N.H.) who did the rest, sending a left-footed laser into the right corner of the Regis goal. 

With 2:30 left in the contest, freshman Cooper Foster (Ashby, Mass.) put a header on net off an NEC corner that beat the Regis goalkeeper but was blocked and booted out of danger by a Regis defender. 

Still seeking the equalizer, freshman Eddy Nyemah (Manchester, N.H.) attempted a shot on net in the final 30 seconds of the game but fired too high on what would be the Pilgrims' last scoring chance. Alcon ended the day with six saves for Regis in the narrow one-goal win.  

The team continues conference play next Saturday as they visit Emmanuel College for a 7:00 PM matchup. 

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