BOSTON, Mass. — The Roger Williams University men's soccer team scored twice in the second half to defeat Wentworth, 2-0, in its Conference of New England (CNE) opener Saturday at Sweeney Field.
The Hawks (4-1-0, 1-0-0 CNE) earned their second consecutive win, while the Leopards fell to 2-2-1 overall and 0-1-0 in conference play. Roger Williams led in shots, 22-8; shots on goal, 10-4; and corner kicks, 7-5.
Seniors Brandon Rodriguez (Norwalk, Conn.) and Dylan Robbins (Johnston, R.I.) each scored their first goal of the season. Robbins paced the Hawks with five shots, including three on target, while Ollie Hamilton (North Chittenden, Vt.) added four attempts. Kevin DeCapua (Old Saybrook, Conn.) and Dylan Thomas (Norwalk, Conn.) each recorded an assist.
Goalkeeper Eliot Panaccione (Pepperell, Mass.) made four saves over 90 minutes to earn the shutout and improve to 2-1-0.
For Wentworth, Kingston McGee led the offense with two shots, including one on goal. Kieran Gorgenyi finished with seven saves, while the Leopards also recorded a team save.
Panaccione stopped two Wentworth attempts within the opening two minutes before Roger Williams began generating opportunities. The Hawks fired 11 first-half shots, but four saves by the Leopards kept the contest scoreless entering halftime.
Roger Williams continued applying pressure after the break, putting three shots on target before Rodriguez broke through at 66:06. DeCapua supplied the assist as the Hawks took a 1-0 lead in the 67th minute.
Robbins doubled the advantage at 77:23, scoring off an assist from Thomas following a Roger Williams corner kick. The Hawks again outshot Wentworth, 11-4, in the second half.
The Leopards finished with nine players following two late red cards. Panaccione made his final save in the 89th minute to preserve the shutout.
Roger Williams visits Babson on Tuesday, Sept. 15, for a 4 p.m. nonconference match in Babson Park, Mass.
