Slow Second Half Start Costs Men's Soccer at #3 Newbury

SOMERVILLE, Mass. – The third-seeded Newbury College men's soccer team defeated sixth-seeded Mitchell College, 2-0, in the first round of the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) Championship on Wednesday afternoon.

The Nighthawks, who improved to a program-best 11-8-0 overall, move on to the NECC semifinals for the second time in three years. Newbury will face second-seeded Elms College in Chicopee, Mass. on Friday evening.

Newbury set the tone early with a strong start out of the gate, controlling the majority of possession in the first half. Forward Nick Valdario came inches away from giving the Nighthawks a one-goal lead eight minutes into the game, but Mitchell sophomore goalkeeper Anthony Drake came up with the save.

Despite having four corner kicks in the first half, Mitchell was unable to muster any offense as the two teams went into the intermission tied a 0-0. Newbury held a 7-1 advantage in shots for the stanza but managed only the one shot on goal.

When they returned to the pitch for the start of the second half, the Nighthawks wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Midfielder Preston Kar found the back-right corner of the net on a penalty kick to give Newbury the 1-0 advantage. Seven minutes later midfielder Alex Davis connected with forward Emmett Dixon for an insurance goal.

Newbury goalkeeper Jarrod Smith didn't need the extra offense. Staring down Mitchell senior defender Zack Rocheleau on a penalty kick late in the game, Smith broke the right way and made a diving save to preserve his fourth shutout of the season.

Drake faced four shots on goal and made two saves. Mitchell ends the season with an overall record of 7-10-1.