BRISTOL, R.I. – The Roger Williams University Men's Soccer team won a thrilling key regional matchup against Babson College, 1-0. This is the first time a Roger Williams program has defeated a nationally ranked opponent since the baseball team defeated Babson in March 2025.
A possessive battle that saw Roger Williams take 14 total shots, with seven being on goal, while Babson took five shots, with two landing on target. The Hawks maintained steady offensive pressure throughout, while both teams played a physical contest that saw Roger Williams rack up 12 fouls and the Beavers rack up 14, with one yellow card being issued to the Hawks.
After a scoreless first half, Brandon Rodriguez (Norwalk, Conn.) scored the lone goal in the 52nd minute off of a corner kick by Aidan Jennings (San Diego, Calif.). Babson applied pressure late, having two shots bounce off the framework of the goal as Roger Williams held on for the 1-0 victory.
Babson goalkeeper Derek Polanco made 6 saves under constant pressure, while RWU keeper Eliot Panaccione (Pepperell, Mass.) stopped two shots to secure the shut out.
Roger Williams (5–0–1, 1-0-0 CNE) will head to Johnson & Wales on Saturday, Sept. 20 for a 4pm start. Babson (4-1-2, 0-0-0 NEWMAC) will host Brandeis at 1pm on Saturday, Sept. 20.
