RINDGE N.H. (11/22/2025) - Franklin Pierce men's soccer advances to the third round of the NCAA Division II Championship on a 5-4 penalty kick win over Wilmington (Delaware). In what proved to be a battle of defense, each team totaled 8 shots over 110 minutes of play. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

• In the first 45 minutes, both teams showed disciplined defense and few scoring opportunities. Wilmington out-shot the Ravens, with 3 shots to the Ravens' 0. Despite their 3 attempts, none were on net. By halftime, the score remained 0-0 in the tight match-up. 
• In the second half, the Ravens found some momentum, putting up 4 shots over the Wildcats' 3. With both teams looking to capitalize, there was an increase in physicality. David Skorodumov picked up one save in the half to Wilmington's 3. With neither team finding the back of the net, Franklin Pierce and Wilmington would enter a sudden-victory overtime period.
• The first overtime period saw continued back-and-forth defensive play, but the Ravens found dominance. The only two shots coming from Guillermo Avendano, which were both saved by Wilmington's keeper. Wilmington's offense was not able to find their way past Franklin Pierce's defense, putting up no shots in the first 10 minute period. 
• In the second overtime period, Wilmington came out fighting with two shots to the Ravens' 0. Despite an early Ravens corner kick, they were not able to find their way around traffic in front of the Wilmington net. Two late saves from Skorodumov left the game to be decided by penalty kicks. 
• The Ravens subbed in sophomore goal keeper Brady Gaudet for the first appearance of his career to protect the net for penalty kicks. Unlike the 110 minutes of play, penalty kicks were a battle of the shooters. With Wilmington shooting first, the first four players from each team were able to find the back of the net. When Wilmington's fifth shooter came to the line, Gaudet made the diving save, the first of his career at Franklin Pierce. With the game on the line, Avendano stepped to the line, and sank the final goal, keeping the Ravens' season alive. 

BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS

• The teams were even in shots with 8 a piece, though the Ravens had 5 on net over Wilmington's 3. 
• Avendano led the Ravens with 2 shots on goal. 
• Skorodumov made 3 saves to the Wildcats' 5. 
• Five yellow cards were given, 3 to Franklin Pierce and 2 to Wilmington. 

UP NEXT FOR THE RAVENS: The Ravens look to keep their season alive another game. They will host #14 Gannon University on Sodexo Field Sunday November 30 at 4:00 PM.