HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College men's soccer team erupted for four unanswered goals in the second half, surging past Vermont State University – Randolph, 4-1, on Thursday afternoon.
Both teams battled through rainy conditions, as the 'Grims controlled the midfield and kept the pressure on visiting Knights throughout the opening frame. NEC generated several scoring chances and fired 18 shots, including multiple attempts on frame, but Vermont State – Randolph goalkeeper Gabe Sokolnicki stood strong in net. Despite holding an 18-1 advantage in shots, the Pilgrims entered halftime in a scoreless deadlock.
The Knights came out firing in the second half, registering back-to-back shots on goal, but senior goalkeeper Kyle Butts (Lee, N.H.) turned both attempts away. Vermont State – Randolph broke through in the 60th minute when Paul Persson found the back of the net to give the Knights a 1-0 lead. The Pilgrims quickly responded, earning a penalty kick that senior Erik Corbin (Marlborough, Mass.) converted to level the match at 1-1. Five minutes later, freshman Carson Leibeck (Willsboro, N.Y.) sent a cross into the box, where freshman Edwin Flores-Soto (Norwalk, Conn.) finished the chance to put NEC ahead, 2-1. The 'Grims continued their offensive surge as sophomore Amit Solomon (Wilton, Conn.) connected with Leibeck, who scored to extend the Pilgrims lead to 3-1. NEC continued to pressure the Knights' defense and earned its second penalty kick of the afternoon, with Corbin once again converting to push the 'Grims lead to three. The Knights looked to cut into the deficit late, but the Pilgrims' defense held firm to secure the 4-1 victory.
Corbin paced the Pilgrims' offense with two goals, while Leibeck netted his first collegiate goal. NEC outshot VTSU – Randolph, 28-4, and held a 12-3 advantage in shots on goal. Butts finished the afternoon with two saves, while Sokolnicki recorded eight saves for the Knights.
The 'Grims return to action on Wednesday, hosting conference opponent Saint Joseph's College of Maine at 7:00 PM on Don Melander Field.
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