NASHUA, N.H. - The New England College men's soccer team suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Rivier University on Wednesday evening, as the Raiders scored a late second-half goal to secure the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) victory.
The two teams traded scoring chances throughout a competitive opening half, with both sides looking to break the deadlock. Rivier recorded the first shot of the contest, sending an attempt high of the net, before junior Matias Zuniga (Wallingford, Conn.) answered the Pilgrims with a shot that sailed wide. Both teams continued to generate opportunities late in the half, but neither found the back of the net. Rivier held a narrow 6-4 advantage in shots, while NEC earned six corner kicks compared to one for the Raiders.
Rivier opened the second half by earning a series of corner kicks, but the Pilgrims' defense held firm. NEC responded with back-to-back corner kicks of its own, both taken by sophomore Amit Solomon (Wilton, Conn.), but the Raiders turned away the opportunities. Rivier eventually broke through at the 74:37 mark, finding the back of the net to take a 1-0 lead. The Raiders continued to apply pressure down the stretch, but senior goalkeeper Matt Guzman (San Bernardino, Calif.) made several key stops to keep the Pilgrims within reach. NEC was unable to find the equalizer in the closing minutes as Rivier held on for the GNAC win.
Rivier generated 11 shots in the second half, limiting NEC to no attempts. Guzman played all 90 minutes in net, recording four saves.
The 'Grims close out their road schedule on Friday, traveling to Franklin, Massachusetts to face Dean College at 3:30 PM.
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