Men’s Soccer Wins GNAC Play-In Over Lasell in Penalties

GNAC BRACKET

NASHUA, N.H. – With a chance to seal the game, sophomore Logan Rockwood slotted in the Raiders' fifth penalty try to lift the seventh-seeded Rivier men's soccer team over No. 10 seed Lasell in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Play-In game on Thursday night at Merrill Field.

The victory marked Rivier's first playoff win since Oct. 28, 2001, ultimately snapping an eight-game losing streak in the GNAC Tournament.

After a level first half, Rivier first-year Alejandro Quezada scored his second goal in as many games when he fired a shot that found the top left corner of the net to give the Raiders a 1-0 lead.

The Lasers used a counterattack led by Mpumelelo Maphumulo who won the ball between two Raider defenders and played a pass through to an unmarked Dante Mills who placed his shot into the top right corner.

The score would remain tied after 90 minutes of action to force sudden death overtime. Lasell outshot the Raiders in both OT periods, 5-1, but neither team secured a golden goal in the 20 minutes of extra time, sending the game to penalties.

Arthur Dias, Thomas Hennessey, Jason Harlow, and Alejandro Quezada all scored after their Laser counterparts were successful on their tries. Sophomore keeper Logan Clough stopped Lasell's fifth shooter, diving to his right to stop a low shot, giving Rockwood the chance to clinch the victory and send the Raiders to the next round.

The Raiders advance to Saturday's GNAC Quarterfinals hosted by the No. 2 seed, Albertus Magnus. Kickoff from Celentano Field is slated for 1:00 p.m.