MANCHESTER, N.H. – The fifth-seeded Franklin Pierce University men's soccer team advanced to the Northeast-10 Conference Championship semifinals with a 1-0 victory over fourth-seeded Saint Anselm College on Saturday afternoon at Melucci Field. Dani Almeida scored the game-winning goal in the first half, while Toby Lewis made four saves to secure the shutout.
With the win, Franklin Pierce improves to 9-4-4 overall, while Saint Anselm concludes its season at 8-8-0.
The Ravens controlled much of the first half, outshooting the Hawks 10-4. Franklin Pierce broke through in the 39th minute when Almeida found the back of the net off assists from Adolfo Pino and Afonso Oliveira, giving the Ravens a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Franklin Pierce continued to apply pressure in the second half, recording 11 shots and forcing five saves from the Saint Anselm goalkeeper. Almeida led the offensive effort with five shots, including four on goal, while Pino added four shots and an assist.
Defensively, Lewis and the Ravens held Saint Anselm scoreless throughout the contest, limiting the Hawks to eight total shots. Lewis finished with four saves as Franklin Pierce secured the 1-0 victory.
The Ravens finished with a 21-8 advantage in shots, including an 8-4 edge in shots on goal.
Up Next: Franklin Pierce will travel to top-seeded Southern New Hampshire University for the NE10 Championship semifinals on Wednesday, November 4, at 7:00 p.m. The winner will advance to the NE10 Championship game on Saturday, November 7.
