JOHNSON, Vt. — Freshman Santiago Jimenez and freshman Cruz Coffin each scored twice as the Husson University men's soccer team overcame an early deficit to defeat Vermont State University Johnson 4-1 in North Atlantic Conference action Saturday at Minaert Field.
Husson (4-4-2, 3-1 NAC) generated early opportunities, with sophomore Chadi Hamadi forcing Badgers goalkeeper Zane Cooper into three saves over the opening 18 minutes. Sophomore Jorge Mora also put an attempt on target in the seventh minute.
VTSU-Johnson (1-6-1, 1-3 NAC) opened the scoring at 19:13 when Alex Giroux finished off an assist from Oakley Francis to give the Badgers a 1-0 lead.
The Eagles answered just 2:54 later, as Jimenez scored off an assist from freshman Ludovico Barosi at 22:07 to tie the match.
Sophomore Lucas Alabiso tested Cooper in the 25th minute before Hussons senior goalkeeper Garret Jordan stopped an attempt from Francis in the 27th minute. Junior Tibo Desorme added a shot on target in the 38th minute, but the teams entered halftime tied 1-1. Husson held a 10-2 advantage in shots over the opening 45 minutes.
The Eagles increased their pressure after the break. Coffin had an attempt turned away by the Badgers' defense in the 47th minute before Alabiso forced Cooper into two more saves.
Coffin put Husson ahead at 55:02, scoring off an assist from sophomore Adne Glotheim to give the Eagles a 2-1 advantage.
Husson continued to create chances while keeping VTSU-Johnson without a shot throughout the second half. Senior Edwin Cruz and Alabiso each tested Cooper midway through the period as the Eagles looked to extend their lead.
Jimenez provided that insurance at the 79th minute, scoring his second goal of the contest to make it 3-1 just nine seconds after Cooper stopped an attempt from Mora.
The Eagles maintained their offensive pressure, with Hamadi striking the crossbar in the 84th minute. Coffin then added his second goal at 86:05 to complete the scoring and secure the 4-1 victory.
Coffin, Mora, Hamadi and Alabiso shared the team lead with five shots apiece. Coffin and Alabiso put all five of their attempts on target, while Jimenez scored on both of his shots on goal. Barosi and Glotheim each contributed an assist.
Jordan played all 90 minutes in goal and finished with one save. Husson outshot the Badgers 31-2, including a 21-0 margin after halftime, and held advantages of 24-2 in shots on goal and 10-1 in corner kicks.
Husson will return home Wednesday to host Bowdoin College in a non-conference matchup at 7 p.m. at John P. Boucher Field.
