Men's Soccer edged by Emmanuel, 2-0

(Boston, Mass.) The Rivier University Men's Soccer team suffered their first Great Northeast Athletic Conference loss this afternoon on the road against Emmanuel College, 2-0 at Roberto Clemente Field in Boston, Mass. The Raiders are now 1-1 in the conference with an overall mark of 1-4 while Emmanuel evens their records to 2-2-2 overall, 1-1-0 GNAC.

Emmanuel junior midfielder David Field (Laguna Niguel, Calif.) found Colin O'Donnell (Killingworth, Conn.) just outside the box on the left side and the sophomore transfer sent his shot past a diving Gary Archambault (Auburn, N.H.) for his first goal of the season and a 1-0 EC lead. The 1-0 Emmanuel edge was carried into halftime.

O'Donnell ripped a point blank shot at Archambault just six minutes into the second frame, but his attempt was stifled by the sophomore keeper. Saints senior forward James Carroll (Guilford, Conn.) got a great look on a breakaway just five minutes later, but Archambault was again able to break up the play.

Rivier's last best chance at a late equalizer came with just over 17 minutes remaining in the contest. However, senior midfielder Danny Connelly's direct kick was quickly stopped by EC keeper Garrett Charette (West Springfield, Mass.) and Emmanuel preserved its 1-0 advantage.

The Saints were able to tack on an insurance goal in the 79th minute, when freshman forward Brendan Quinn (Colchester, Conn.) got his head on a free kick by Field. This was the first collegiate goal for Quinn, who would exit the game shortly after with an injury.

Field had his foot in on both Emmanuel goals, finishing with a pair of assists on the day for the Saints.

Emmanuel outshot Rivier 18-4 on the afternoon with an 8-3 shots-on-goal advantage. The Saints held a 7-1 edge in corner kicks.

Charette picked up the win in goal for the Saints, making three saves in the effort, while improving to 2-2-2 on the season. Archambault took the loss for Rivier, but made six saves, as his record dropped to 1-4.

Emmanuel will be back in action next Tuesday, September 23rd, when the Saints travel to Newbury College for a 3:30 PM start with the Nighthawks. This game will be played at Pine Manor College. Rivier also plays on Tuesday, when Raiders travel to Endicott College for a 7:00 PM start with the Gulls.