RINDGE, N.H. (11/8/25) – The Franklin Pierce University men's soccer team opened postseason play in strong fashion, earning a 2–0 victory over Saint Michael's College in the NE10 Championship First Round on Saturday night at Sodexo Field. Goals from Guillermo Avendaño (Luanco, Spain) and Dani Almeida (Lisboa, Portugal) powered the Ravens to the shutout win and a spot in the conference semifinals.
Score: Franklin Pierce 2, Saint Michael's 0
Records: Franklin Pierce (10-3-3, 6-1-2 NE10), Saint Michael's (8-6-3, 4-3-2 NE10)
Location: Sodexo Field, Rindge, N.H.
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Ravens struck first in the 26th minute when Guillermo Rios (Asuncion, Paraguay) chased down a long ball from Julen Martin (Bilbao, Spain) and delivered a precise cross into the box. Guillermo Avendaño (Luanco, Spain) was there to finish, giving Franklin Pierce the 1–0 advantage.
- Franklin Pierce continued to dictate the pace throughout the opening half, outshooting Saint Michael's 5–1 while maintaining defensive control to take the one-goal lead into the break.
- In the 63rd minute, the Ravens doubled their lead. After quick passing from Stepan Fiker (Prague, Czech Republic) and Christian Osuna Nieves (Alicante, Spain), Dani Almeida (Lisboa, Portugal) buried a finish to the far post to make it 2–0. The defense held firm the rest of the way, securing the clean sheet and advancing to the next round.
BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS
- David Skorodumov (Ashland, Mass.) earned the shutout win in goal, making 2 saves on the night.
- Franklin Pierce outshot Saint Michael's 9-5, including a 5-2 edge in shots on goal.
- The Ravens also held a 2–1 advantage in corner kicks.
UP NEXT FOR THE RAVENS: With the victory, Franklin Pierce advances to the NE10 Championship Semifinals. The Ravens will travel to face the No. 2 seed Southern New Hampshire University on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
