Links: Box Score
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – Sophomore
Filippo Begliardi Ghidini's sixth goal of the season was the difference Tuesday night, as the lone goal put the Merrimack College men's soccer team in the win column against #19 Southern New Hampshire University, 1-0. The win put the Warriors in sole possession of fourth place in the Northeast 10 Conference standings; with just one game left, Merrimack will host Assumption, who sit one point behind them in fifth place.
The Basics
Score: Southern New Hampshire 0,
Merrimack 1
Records: Merrimack (10-5-0, 7-5-0 NE10) | Southern New Hampshire (11-3-2, 7-3-2 NE10)
Location: Martone-Mejail Field | North Andover, Mass.
How it Happened
- The Penmen came out strong in the first seven minutes, firing three consecutive shots to no avail; senior goalkeeper Tyler Packett made a highlight-reel save in the opening 10 minutes to keep the game scoreless.
- In the 22nd minute, another golden opportunity was kept out of the net; a hard, low shot was blocked by senior Sam King, as he slid through the box to save the sure goal.
- Merrimack had a brilliant opportunity for the opening goal. A cross inside the box from junior Sebastian Toro was misplayed through the box, but there wasn't a Warrior jersey close enough to tap in the open-sitter.
- With just under 25 minutes left in the first half, the Warriors broke level. On a beautiful pass through the box, freshman Tola Showunmi baited the keeper off his line, and fed sophomore Filippo Begliardi Ghidini; his shot rippled the back of the net, giving the Warriors its first lead since October 9th.
- In the 79th minute, the Penmen nearly equalized it; a shot just outside the 18 was blocked away by Mirko Nufi inside the six.
- Tyler Packett's second save of the night came with just five minutes left on a hard shot inside the 18, allowing the Warriors to run out the final minutes of the game and take home a crucial conference win.
Notes and Numbers
- This is the first win against the Penmen since 2015.
- Merrimack's clean sheet victory was just the second time the Penmen have been shutout in losing fashion.
- In the six victories the Warriors have over SNHU, three of them have been shutout wins – including its most recent.
- Before tonight's goal, the Warriors haven't led in a contest since October 9th, when senior Paul Magazzu netted a goal with less than 15 minutes left in the second half.
- Keeper records: - W, Tyler Packett (2 Saves, 10-6-0,) // L – Daniel Milton (1 Save, 11-3-2)
- Shots (SOG): MER – 8 (2) // SNHU – 14 (2)
- Corners: MER – 1 // SNHU - 2
Up Next:
Merrimack concludes the regular season with senior day, this Friday, October 26. The eight seniors in the class of 2019 will be recognized prior to the 4 p.m. start against Assumption.
