HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College Men's Soccer team suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to GNAC opponent Dean College on Saturday, surrendering the deciding goal in the 82nd minute after a fiercely contested match.  

The Bulldogs came out firing, taking the first shot in less than a minute in, narrowly missing high. NEC quickly responded as senior Anthony Aguiar (Gilford, N.H.) forced an early save by Dean goalie Jake Godwin. The intensity surged back and forth throughout the opening half, with both sides trading chances but neither breaking through. Each finished the opening period with five shots apiece.  

Dean seized momentum after the break, applying heavy pressure and launching 13 shots in the second half alone. Junior goalkeeper Lukas Tate (South Jordan, Utah) was impressive in the posts, making multiople diving saves to keep the match scoreless.  

However, in the 82nd minute, following a substitution led to a long throw in that found its way to the front of the net, where Felipe Castillo capitalized to put Dean ahead. NEC pressed for an equalizer, but a late high attempt from senior Wyatt Flibbert (Windham, Maine) sailed over the crossbar.  

The 'Grims are now 5-4, 1-3 GNAC and will host Colby-Sawyer on Tuesday, September 30 at 7 P.M. under the lights 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.