HENNIKER, N.H. - The Husson University men's soccer team (8-8) was defeated by the New England College Pilgrims, 1-0, in the North Atlantic Conference quarterfinals. The two conference rivals battled in less than ideal conditions.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The first half was a scoreless, physical battle that saw NEC edge the Eagles in shots, 11-10. The second half began in similar fashion until the 6th minute, when the Pilgrims were awarded a free kick from approximately 10 yards in front of the mid-field line.

Xavier Llyod sent the free kick to the lead of Panogiotis Galatas positioned in the middle of the 18-yard box. Galatas headed it over to Sina Samali, who spun around his defender and fired a shot in between the legs of Husson keeper Cody Gross.

The physicality continued in the second half. It was a fairly evenly played half. Husson had a decent amount of chances including Miguel Caballero's free kick just outside the box. Spencer Miranda also had a free kick but hit the bar, and Rafael Paganoni put the rebound over the bar. Many chances fell in the box but the Pilgrims were the first to react.

GOALKEEPERS

For the Eagles, Cody Gross stopped six of the seven shots he faced, while Khenrab finished with three saves in the win.

QUOTE FROM COACH PENNY

"I have nothing but great things to say about my players. They gave everything today and it just wasn't to be. NEC were resolute and pulled off their game plan. In the end, they took their chance, and we did not. I feel for the seniors. It certainly was not the ending we had all hoped for. It's been a great year, and we have seen some tremendous growth. Now, it's back to the drawing board to see who we can bring in to follow the fantastic example our seniors have shown. Today just wasn't our day."

WHAT'S NEXT

This concludes the Eagles's 2017 season.