Box Score BOSTON, Mass. – The Roger Williams University men's soccer team closed out the first match of the 2023 season with a tie, 2-2, at Emerson's Rotch Field on Friday afternoon.
 
The Lions struck early, when Thomas Pelino was on the receiving end of a pass by Luke Maxwell, for the lone goal of the first half. In the second half, the Hawks allowed another goal in the 51^st minute dropping down 2-0.
 
Playing scoreless until the 78^th minutes, the Hawks finally broke through with Liam Blaisdell (Plymouth, Mass.) being the one to break the shutout, after being on the receiving end of a pass from Tommy Bowen (Manchester, Mass.). Roger Williams built off that momentum with Blaisdell scoring his second of the match off a pass by Niall Shea (Portsmouth, R.I.) leveling the score.  The Hawks had an opportunity off a corner kick but were unable to convert, as the Lions held on for the draw.
 
Roger Williams (0-0-1, 0-0-0 CCC) will return to the pitch on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 3:00 pm when they visit the Corsairs of UMass Dartmouth.  The Hawks will then open at home on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 4:00 pm against in state rival Rhode Island College.