Men’s Soccer Suffers Season Opening Loss to ECSU
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Eastern Conn. St. (2-0-0, 0-0-0) | 1 | 4 | 5 |
|
Mitchell (0-1-0, 0-0-0) | 1 | 0 | 1 |
NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Mitchell College men's soccer team struck first but ultimately fell to visiting Eastern Connecticut State University, 5-1, in non-conference action on Monday afternoon at Alumni Field in their season opener.
The Mariners wasted little time getting on the board, as sophomore Diego Chavez (Meriden, Conn.) scored unassisted just 3:02 into the match to give Mitchell the early advantage. The tally marked Chavez's first goal of the season and the first of his Mitchell career. Eastern Connecticut responded in the 15th minute to even the score at 1-1, and the teams carried that deadlock into halftime.
The Warriors controlled the second half, however, netting four unanswered goals after the break to pull away for the victory.
Mitchell finished the afternoon with four total shots, including three on goal. Chavez, Jose Pacheco (New London, Conn.), and Oscar Mendoza-Soto (Willimantic, Conn.) each recorded shots on frame. Junior goalkeeper Jesse Jenkins (Windsor, Conn.) made four saves while going the distance in net.
Niall O'Brien, Dominick Bugnacki, Ben Syphrett, and Yahya Kardad each tallied goals for the Warriors, while Kardad and Sebastian Kadlof picked up assists. Jack Harmon earned the win in net for Eastern Connecticut, allowing one goal over 67:26 before giving way to Aidan Peterson, who made one save in relief.
With the result, Mitchell dropped to 0-1 on the season while Eastern Connecticut improved to 2-0.
The Mariners (0-1, 0-0 GNAC) will look to bounce back on Wednesday, September 3, when they visit crosstown rival Coast Guard Academy. The Warriors (2-0, 0-0 LEC) continue their road swing on Friday, September 5, at Emerson College.
