RINDGE, N.H. (9/12/26) – Franklin Pierce University battled its way to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over St. Thomas Aquinas College on Saturday in a tightly contested Division II men's soccer matchup.
The Ravens faced a physical and heated contest from the opening whistle, with both sides battling for every possession in a tightly contested match.
St. Thomas Aquinas struck first in the 11th minute when Sebastian Ortega found the back of the net, assisted by Nico Gallegos, giving the Spartans an early 1-0 advantage.
Franklin Pierce responded just before halftime. Dani Almeida converted a penalty kick in the 45th minute to level the contest at 1-1 heading into the break.
The Ravens continued to push in the second half and were rewarded in the 63rd minute when Guillermo Rios scored to give Franklin Pierce its first lead of the afternoon, 2-1.
The match grew more competitive as the second half progressed. Franklin Pierce and St. Thomas Aquinas combined for several yellow cards, while three players were shown red cards during the second half. St. Thomas Aquinas goalkeeper Dante Muntane and Mateo Corvalan Vizcarra were sent off in the 64th minute, while Franklin Pierce's Adolfo Pino received a red card in the 75th minute.
Despite the increased intensity and a tense final stretch, the Ravens maintained their 2-1 advantage through the final whistle to secure the victory.
Franklin Pierce will return to action on Friday, Sept. 18, when the Ravens travel to face Southern Connecticut State University at 7 p.m. The matchup will mark the Ravens' NE10 Conference opener.
