Fast Start Not Enough For Men's Soccer at NEC

HENNIKER, N.H. – New England College came back from two goals down to beat visiting Mitchell College, 4-2, in each team's men's soccer opener Thursday evening.

Mitchell opened the scoring in the 23rd minute as Khaliyl Holland got a friendly bounce and fired in a shot past NEC keeper Dylan Mix. The Mariners struck again just two minutes later as Andrew Nigro finished off a touch pass from James Shea. 

The Pilgrims got a goal back in the 27th minute as Michael Skarbelis netted his first goal of the season. However, Mitchell keeper Anthony Drake turned away five shots on goal in the period to hold the 2-1 lead into the break.

NEC knotted the game at 2-2 just 55 seconds into the second half as Emmanuel Smith recorded his first collegiate goal, finding the upper-right corner of the goal off an assist by Skarbelis. Ronsard Masamba gave the Pilgrims their first lead in the 52nd minute when he put in a nice feed from Rizy Misiri, and the final goal came late in the game as Kyle Clements recorded his first career goal with just 44 seconds remaining in regulation.

Mix picked up the win in net for the Pilgrims, finishing the game with three saves. Drake recorded 11 saves in goal for Mitchell.

The Mariners will return to the field on Tuesday, September 6 when they host Connecticut College at 4 p.m.