Men's Soccer Shuts Out NEC

NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Mitchell College men's soccer team came away with a 2-0 victory over New England College on Saturday afternoon in New England Collegiate Conference action at Alumni Field.

The Mariners scored in each half and allowed only one shot on frame en route to their second shutout of the season. William Ferguson and Quinn Outerbridge accounted for Mitchell's offense while goalkeeper Seth Strader earned the clean sheet.

Mitchell struck first thanks to a foul drawn in the box by Daniel Hotaling that yielded a penalty kick in the 18th minute. Ferguson converted the attempt for his fourth goal of the season, three of which have come via penalty kick.

Under two minutes later, NEC nearly tied the game on a play that developed down the right sideline. The centering pass found Hans Fanfan 12 yards out from the near post, but his blast sailed high.

The Pilgrims had another chance in the waning minutes of the half as Badran Saeed unleashed a rocket from atop the 18-yard box. His shot hit off the crossbar and was cleared away by the Mitchell defense to keep the score locked at 1-0 heading into the half.

The Mariners added the insurance goal early in the second stanza as a centering pass from the right side bounced around in the box. Carl Wilson corralled the loose ball and slipped a pass to Outerbridge, who deposited his fourth goal of the season to make it 2-0 in the 48th minute.

Mitchell held a 12-10 advantage in total shots. Strader made one save in the second half to secure the win. NEC keeper Robbie Ferguson also finished with one save on the day.

Mitchell (5-7 overall, 3-2-0 NECC) will next play at Elms College on Tuesday, October 16 at 4 p.m. NEC (4-7-3 overall, 1-2-2 NECC) returns to action at home against Lesley University on Saturday, October 20 at 2:30 p.m.