Men’s Soccer Dealt First Loss of Season by Albertus

NEW LONDON, Conn. – After finding themselves trailing by three goals at halftime, the Mitchell College men's soccer team rallied to make it a one score game on Thursday afternoon, but ultimately the Mariners fell short by a final of 4-2 against Albertus Magnus College in a GNAC showdown.

The Falcons of Albertus scored early and often, jumping on top in the second minute of play, before adding goals in the 36th minute and 39th minute to cruise to a commanding 3-0 advantage at the intermission. The Mariners may have been down, but they were far from out, storming into the second half with a comeback on their minds. Just over five minutes into the half, a foul on Albertus set Mitchell up with a free kick, one which was taken quickly by senior Nick Ghirardi (East Lyme, Conn.). Ghirardi booted the ball from close to the center circle down into the penalty area, where junior Dylan Lucey (Lebanon, Conn.) was there to connect with a header, sending the ball sailing past the Albertus keeper for his team-leading third goal of the fall.

Not long after, the Mariners were able to trim the deficit to one, as once again Ghirardi came up clutch in a big spot. Following a foul by the Falcons in the box, Ghirardi was able to convert on a penalty kick opportunity, making it a 3-2 game.

Albertus added an insurance goal in the 86th minute, however, putting the game just out of reach while handing the Mariners their first defeat of the season.

Gabriel Paglia, Kris Bocchio, Donaldo Yanez, and Aiden Coelho all found the back of the net for the Falcons, while Coelho, Paglia, and Colby Nardelli were each credited with an assist.

Mitchell goalkeeper Dylan Kinsella (Waterbury, Conn.) suffered his first defeat of the fall, recording eight saves against eight shots on goal. Andres Diosa got the start in net for Albertus and recorded a clean opening half. David Lucero then entered the game at halftime and gave up two Mitchell goals while notching three saves.

The Falcons outshot the Mariners 26-7, as Ghirardi got off a team-best two shots on goal.

Mitchell (1-1-2, 1-1-1 GNAC) will return to conference play at home on Saturday, September 16th, when they host Emmanuel College at 1:00 pm. Albertus (3-0-2, 2-0-1 GNAC) will be back in action on Saturday, September 16th, as they are set to play host to Norwich University.