Recap
The Nichols college men's soccer team (3-1-0) lost to New England College 3-2 Saturday afternoon in non-conference action at the Nichols Soccer Field.

Freshman Ryan Mangan netted his first collegiate goal in the first half while sophomore Ali Ali was able to find the back of the net for the second time this season.

Ali opened the scoring at 16:49. Freshman Evan Lemoine chipped the keeper, Ali followed it into the open goal. Roughly 13 minutes later, made it a two-goal lead after classmate Axel Areiza-Betancur ripped a shot that deflected of the Pilgrims keeper to Mangan, who immediately put it in the net.

The Pilgrims outscored the Bison in the second half with a goal from freshman Brandon Saeed and a pair of goals in the final five minutes from senior Vasili Vakalfotis.

NEC outshot the Bison 14-9 in the 2nd half.

Quote
"We fell short today. Between the seven players out injured or sick, we were not able to play our best for 90 minutes. New England College deserved to win. They kept coming and scored two goals late to get the win. We will heal, learn from today, and start fresh on Monday." –Nichols head coach Chris Traina

Three things you need to know…
-Tonight's match marked the 34th all-time meeting between the two schools. The Bison lead the series, 18-12-4.
-Each team was credited with 20 shots.
-Senior Cooper Valinski lead all student-athletes with six shots.

Next match
Sunday, September 12 vs Mass. Maritime, 4:00 p.m.