JOHNSON, Vt. – In a close North Atlantic Conference (NAC) matchup between Husson University men's soccer (4-6-1, 3-1-0 NAC) and Northern Vermont University-Johnson (6-4-0, 1-2-0 NAC), the Eagles came out on top, 2-1, thanks to a first half push on Saturday afternoon at Minaert Field.

THE SCOOP:

Husson jumped ahead within minutes of the opening whistle on a Dylan Bryce goal just 3:11 into the match. Assisting both goals, Joao Passoni helped the Eagles double their lead in the 28th minute off a pass to Ian Lee as he recorded his third goal of the season. 

The Badgers cut their deficit in half when Tristan Salgado found the back of the net just three minutes into the second half with the assist credited to Elliot Hanna. Husson cruised through the remaining 42 minutes of the half to hold onto the 2-1 victory.

"I'm proud of the efforts of those who contributed today," commented Head Coach Gavin Penny. "The lads worked hard and allowed more of a game than it should have been. We created plenty of goal scoring chances and need to be more clinical in front of goal. However, a win is a win and we got the job done. As I said, the guys who played today showed a much-improved effort than what we saw on Tuesday night against MMA."

BETWEEN THE POSTS:

Nikoloz Bulashvili saw his first minutes in net this season as he subbed out Kyle Townsend to close out the remaining 21:14 preserving the 2-1 win while recording a single save. Townsend stopped two shots for the win. Their competitor, Badger Gerrit Lane, earned six saves in 90 minutes of play. 

TEAM STATS:

The Eagles barely outshot the Badgers, 16-13, with very few balls crossing the end line as NVU-Johnson held the advantage in corner kicks, 3-1. 

UP NEXT!

The Eagles will host Colby College on Tuesday, October 2nd for a non-conference game under the lights at 7 p.m.