WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — The Roger Williams University Men's Soccer team overcame an early deficit to earn a 2-1 Conference of New England (CNE) victory over the University of Hartford on Saturday afternoon at Al-Marzook Field at Alumni Stadium.
The Hawks improved to 9-1-3 overall and 3-0-2 in CNE play with their fifth consecutive victory, extending their unbeaten streak to 10 matches. Hartford dropped to 4-5-2 overall and 2-2-1 in conference action.
Roger Williams controlled 64% of possession and finished with advantages of 10-3 in shots and 9-1 in corner kicks. The Hawks placed three attempts on goal while limiting Hartford to one.
Dylan Thomas (Norwalk, Conn.) and Louis Hawkins (Norwich, Conn.) supplied the RWU goals. Thomas scored his second goal of the season, while Hawkins registered his fifth. First-year Francisco Luzuriaga (Riverside, Conn.) assisted on both goals.
Goalkeeper Eliot Panaccione (Pepperell, Mass.) played all 90 minutes to improve to 5-1-3. Hartford goalkeeper Cristian Vitti recorded one save.
Hartford opened the scoring just 1:37 into the match when Brayden Tahiliani finished a pass from Adam Eley for his fourth goal of the season.
The Hawks responded in the 34th minute. Luzuriaga set up Thomas, who converted at 33:25 to send the match into halftime tied at 1-1.
Roger Williams continued to apply pressure in the second half, generating six shots and four corner kicks. Senior Brandon Rodriguez (Norwalk, Conn.) forced Vitti to make a save at 52:26 before the Hawks broke through for the deciding goal.
Luzuriaga delivered his second assist of the match to Hawkins, who scored the game-winner at 75:00 to give Roger Williams a 2-1 advantage.
The RWU defense protected the lead over the final 15 minutes, holding Hartford without a shot on goal after the opening tally.
Roger Williams returns to Bayside Field on Tuesday, Oct. 13, to host Johnson & Wales University in CNE action.
