Men’s Soccer Falls to NEC

HENNIKER, N.H. – The Rivier men's soccer team fell on the road by a final of 5-3 in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) matchup with the Pilgrims of New England Col. at Don Melander Field on Saturday afternoon.

With just over 30 seconds left to play in the first half, Riv's (2-9-4, 2-7-3 GNAC) Chris Antonelli launched the ball up field allowing Mitchell Ward to get a touch and send to Cameron Rodrigues who tapped in the first goal of the game, which was the first of his collegiate career.

NEC (6-4-4, 5-3-3 GNAC) quickly answered back early in the second half with three goals less than four minutes apart, to take the lead at 3-1.

Off his left foot, Rodrigues of Rivier knocked in his second goal of the contest in the 62nd minute to cut the deficit to one.

The Pilgrims acknowledged this with two more goals, increasing their edge to 5-2.

The Raiders moved up the turf to find Ward by the end line, who sent in a cross to Jayden Medlin who scored the final goal at 86:52.

Rivier outshot NEC 18-16, with the Pilgrims gaining two more corner kick opportunities.

Dominic Cunha of the Raiders was in net for the majority of the contest, making four saves. Sean Seeley saw time in goal for Riv as well, only allowing one goal.

The Raiders travel to Plymouth, N.H. to face Plymouth St. in non-conference play on Thursday, Oct. 19 with a start time of 3:00 p.m. at Arold Field.