SAINTS SHUTOUT RIVIER, 2-0, IN HOME OPENER
BOSTON, Mass. – The Emmanuel College Men’s Soccer Team rolled to a 2-0 shutout of Rivier University on Saturday afternoon in the Saints’ home opener at Roberto Clemente Field. A pair of Emmanuel newcomers accounted for the two Saints’ goals in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) win, as EC evened its record to 2-2-2 on the season and 1-1 in league play. The Raiders dropped to 1-4 overall, 1-1 GNAC with the loss. The Saints have now won the last five-consecutive contests against the Raiders.
BOSTON, Mass. – The Emmanuel College Men's Soccer Team rolled to a 2-0 shutout of Rivier University on Saturday afternoon in the Saints' home opener at Roberto Clemente Field. A pair of Emmanuel newcomers accounted for the two Saints' goals in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) win, as EC evened its record to 2-2-2 on the season and 1-1 in league play. The Raiders dropped to 1-4 overall, 1-1 GNAC with the loss. The Saints have now won the last five-consecutive contests against the Raiders.
Emmanuel's defense held the visitors to just one shot in the first half. The Raiders gave up five first-half shots to the hosts Saints, who were able to connect on one before the break. 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.
Emmanuel's junior captain Cian O'Sullivan (Agawam, Mass.) had a chance to get on the board after an O'Donnell corner kick with 25 minutes to play, but his shot sailed wide left.
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.