HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College men's soccer team dropped a hard-fought 1-0 decision to Wentworth Institute of Technology in a non-conference matchup Sunday afternoon.
The Leopards controlled much of the opening frame, putting pressure on the Pilgrims' defense and firing several shots that were turned aside by senior goalkeeper Lukas Tate (South Jordan, Utah). NEC battled to keep Wentworth off the scoreboard, with both teams exchanging possession in the midfield late in the opening frame. However, Adrian Munoz found the back of the net with just under two minutes remaining, giving the Leopards a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Wentworth continued to apply pressure early in the second half, as a shot ricocheted off the crossbar before Younes Henniche tested NEC senior goalkeeper Matt Guzman (San Bernardino, Calif.), who made the save. The Pilgrims responded with an opportunity of their own when senior Chase Gurtowsky (Torrington, Conn.) put a shot on goal, but Leopards goalkeeper Kieran Gorgenyi denied the attempt. WIT continued to challenge the 'Grims defense with multiple shots on target, but Guzman kept the home team within striking distance with several key saves. Freshman Carson Leibeck (Willsboro, N.Y.) looked to even the score for NEC, but Gorgenyi once again came up with the stop. The Leopards looked to extend their lead in the closing seconds, but Guzman made the save as Wentworth picked up the 1-0 victory.
Tate finished the opening 45 minutes with six saves, while Guzman recorded five saves in the second half in relief. Gorgenyi recorded two saves in 90 minutes of action for the Leopards.
NEC will take a few days off and will return to action on Wednesday as they host non-conference opponent Vermont State University – Lyndon at Don Melander Field. Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM.
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