BOSTON, MASS. - The New England College men's soccer team picked up their first Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) win of the season, defeating Emmanuel College 1-0 on Saturday evening. The 'Grims now sit at 1-1 in GNAC competition.
The Saints came out aggressive, launching several early shots on target that were denied by the Pilgrims defense. Both teams battled intensely unable to break the deadlock, but in the 34th minute freshman Eddy Nyemah (Manchester, N.H.) fired a shot high past Saints goalkeeper Owen Silva to give the visitors the early 1-0 lead. The Saints continued to test the 'Grims defense firing more shots on goal, but junior goalkeeper Lukas Tate (South Jordan, Utah) held tough in net as the Pilgrims took the 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
The Saints kept up the pressure in the second half, firing multiple shots, but Tate remained tough in net and the 'Grims defense made crucial blocks to preserve the 1-0 lead. Late in the half, the Pilgrims looked to extend their lead as senior Wyatt Flibbert (Windham, Maine) fired a shot on target, but Silva made the save. The Saints continued to test Tate in the net continuing to fire back-to-back shots on target in hopes of evening the score, but the 'Grims goalkeeper made key saves to secure the 1-0 shutout victory for the visiting Pilgrims.
The Pilgrims return to action on Tuesday when they travel to Newton, Massachusetts for a GNAC matchup against Lasell University with a 4:00 PM kickoff.
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