HENNIKER, N.H. - Emmanuel men's soccer boosted its unbeaten streak to four, including three straight wins against conference opponents, after defeating the New England Pilgrims 2-1 on Wednesday night at Melander Field in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play.
The teams traded scoring opportunities early, with the Saints striking first in the 16th minute on the second of the season for first-year Jacob Nardelli to take a 1-0 lead. NEC's Anthony Aguiar looked to level the score shortly after, but Emmanuel goalkeeper David Derk turned away the shot.
The Saints continued to apply pressure late in the half, but senior goalkeeper Matt Guzman turned aside the Saints' chances, recording four saves in the opening 45 minutes. Senior Nicholas Jurrissen looked to even the score late in the half, but the Saints' defense denied his attempt as Emmanuel took a 1-0 lead into halftime.Â
The NEC pressure helped the home team break through early in the second half, with sophomore Amit Solomon delivering a corner kick into the box, where Isaiah Veiga finished the opportunity for his first collegiate goal to level the score at 1-1.
Emmanuel responded minutes later, reclaiming the lead when Luis Pimentel found the back of the net off a cross from Tyler Shelton. The Saints' continued to apply pressure, looking to extend their lead late in the half with a series of shots on goal, but Guzman turned aside each attempt. Emmanuel's defense locked down the Pilgrims in the final minutes, helping them secure a 2-1 win.Â
Guzman finished the evening with a season-high 11 saves in the Pilgrims' effort. Derk picked up the win after making a pair of stops for the visitors.
The Saints are back in action on Saturday, Oct. 10, traveling to Colby-Sawyer for a 3:00 p.m. match.
