HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College men's soccer team came up short against Emmanuel College Wednesday evening, falling 2-1 in a closely contested Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) matchup.
The teams traded scoring opportunities early, with the Saints striking first in the 16th minute to take a 1-0 lead. Graduate Anthony Aguiar (Gilford, N.H.) looked to level the score shortly after, but Emmanuel goalkeeper David Derk turned away the shot. The Saints continued to apply pressure late in the half, but senior goalkeeper Matt Guzman (San Bernardino, Calif.) turned aside the Saints' chances, recording four saves in the opening 45 minutes. Senior Nicholas Jurrissen (Madbury, N.H.) looked to even the score late in the half, but the Saints' defense denied his attempt as Emmanuel took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The 'Grims continued to apply offensive pressure in the second half, with freshman Isaiah Veiga (Dracut, Mass.) firing a shot that was blocked by the Saints' defense. Thirty seconds later, sophomore Amit Solomon (Wilton, Conn.) delivered a corner kick into the box, where Veiga finished the opportunity for his first collegiate goal to level the score at 1-1. Emmanuel responded minutes later, reclaiming the lead when Luis Pimentel found the back of the net off a cross from Tyler Shelton. The Saints' continued to apply pressure, looking to extend their lead late in the half with a series of shots on goal, but Guzman turned aside each attempt. NEC continued to search for the equalizer in the closing minutes, but the Emmanuel defense denied any scoring chance as the Saints secured the 2-1 GNAC victory. Guzman finished the evening with a season-high 11 saves in the Pilgrims' effort.
The 'Grims return to Don Melander Field on Saturday, welcoming the Blue Jays of the University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) to Henniker for a 1:00 PM kickoff.
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