Men’s Soccer Nipped by Anna Maria

PAXTON, Mass. – The Mitchell College men's soccer team suffered a 3-2 setback against Anna Maria College 3-2 in a GNAC tilt on Saturday evening. The loss dropped the Mariners conference record to 2-4-2 on the fall.

After sophomore Flavio Alvardo (New London, Conn.) scored his first goal of the season in the opening minute of the match off an assist from Nick Forst (Ellington, Conn.), the AMCATS knotted the score five minutes later when Hezekiah Adeyeye scored unassisted. Senior Nick Ghirardi (East Lyme, Conn.) netted his fourth goal of the season in the 28th minute to give the Mariners an edge which would last through the remainder of the opening half.

Mitchell would hold their advantage into the second half until Matthew Pearle tied the score off a corner kick from Rubelso Moran. That would prove to be the deciding goal, as the Mariners were unable to notch an equalizing goal. Anna Maria would tack on an insurance goal at the 80-minute mark when Adeyeye notched his second goal of the game off an assist from Gabe Tellez.

Nick Forst and Nick Ghirardi recorded two shots on goal each for the Mariners, who had nine total shots, four on goal. The AMCATS edged Mitchell 13-9 on shots, 8-4 in shots on goal, held a 9-3 advantage in corner kick opportunities.

Freshman goalkeeper Jesse Jenkins (Windsor, Conn.) made five saves for Mitchell, matching his season-high output. Valter Santiago earned his first win in goal this season for the AMCATS, tallying a pair of saves.

The Mariners (2-4-3, 2-4-2 GNAC) will look to bounce back when they return to action on Wednesday, October 4th, with a non-conference match at Lesley University. Anna Maria (1-5-1, 1-4-1 GNC) play next on Tuesday, October 3rd, on the road against Dean College.