RINDGE, N.H. – The Franklin Pierce University men's soccer team dropped a 3-2 decision to the University of Bridgeport in its home opener Wednesday night at Sodexo Field.
With the loss, the Ravens move to 1-1-1 on the season.
After falling behind 1-0 in the 31st minute, Franklin Pierce responded less than two minutes later.
Dani Almeida scored his first goal of the season at the 32:36 mark, finishing off an assist from
Carver Grossman to even the match at 1-1 heading into halftime.
The Ravens found themselves trailing again early in the second half before Almeida delivered his second equalizer of the night. In the 66th minute, Almeida found the back of the net off an assist from
Nick Armour to tie the game at 2-2.
Bridgeport broke the tie in the 70th minute, converting a penalty kick to take a 3-2 lead. Franklin Pierce continued to push for the equalizer, nearly finding it on a last-second shot that struck the crossbar and nearly bounced across the goal line, but ultimately stayed out.
Despite the loss, the Ravens controlled the offensive chances throughout the night, finishing with an 18-10 advantage in shots, including a 10-4 edge in the opening half. Franklin Pierce also held a 7-6 advantage in shots on goal and a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Almeida led the Ravens with two goals and three shots on goal, while
JJ Forskin added two shots on target.
Christian Osuna Nieves and
Adolfo Pino each recorded a shot on goal.
Toby Lewis finished the night with three saves in net.
