Last Push Propels Elms Past Men's Soccer

CHICOPEE, Mass. – The Elms College men's soccer team defeated visiting Mitchell College, 2-1, in its New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) opener at Leary Field Saturday afternoon.

With the win, the Blazers improved to 2-6 overall, while the Mariners dipped to 1-4-1 on the season.

After a scoreless first half of action, the Mariners got on the scoreboard in the 63rd minute as Nicholas Ghirardi tracked a long ball down the sideline and launched a cross to the front of the net. Andrew Storton was at the other end to volley a shot on goal, but Elms goalkeeper AJ Oliviera denied the initial attempt. However, Storton tucked in the rebound to give Mitchell a 1-0 lead.

With less than 10 minutes to play, the Blazers evened the score as Babba Jaden found a loose ball in traffic and ripped a shot through the Mariners defense to knot the score at 1-1. Less than four minutes later, Jaden provided the difference maker as he pursued a long ball down the sideline, gained control and raced to the goal line. The Mitchell defense challenged Jaden toward the goal line, forcing a tough-angle shot, which ricocheted off the inside of the far post and into the net to send the Blazers to the 2-1 victory.

The Mariners outshot the Blazers, 22-14, during the contest. Oliviera made a match-high seven saves, while Mitchell's Seth Strader stopped five shots in the loss.

Mitchell will next travel to the Coast Guard Academy for a non-conference battle on Wednesday, September 27 at 6:00 p.m.