BABSON PARK, Mass. — The Roger Williams University men's soccer team battled No. 4 Babson to a 0-0 draw Tuesday afternoon at MacDowell Field, earning a hard-fought result on the road against one of the nation's top-ranked teams. The Hawks moved to 4-1-1 on the season, while Babson remained unbeaten at 4-0-1.
Despite the scoreless result, Roger Williams showed it can compete with nationally ranked opposition, matching Babson in total shots at 12-12 while putting five attempts on target. The Hawks also earned six corner kicks and held the Beavers to four shots on goal.
Hawks Rise to the Challenge
Roger Williams came out ready for the challenge against the No. 4 Beavers, generating several opportunities throughout the opening half. Junior forward Tyler Jastrab (Townsend, Mass.) recorded a pair of early shots, while junior midfielder Kevin DeCapua (Old Saybrook, Conn.) forced a save from the Babson goalkeeper in the 31st minute.
The Hawks continued to apply pressure late in the half, earning five corner kicks and creating additional chances from junior forward Louis Hawkins (Norwich, Conn.) and senior forward Dylan Robbins (Johnston, R.I.). Roger Williams finished the opening 45 minutes with six shots and five corner kicks.
Panaccione Stands Tall
While the Hawks created opportunities of their own, senior goalkeeper Eliot Panaccione (Pepperell, Mass.) helped keep the nationally ranked Beavers off the scoreboard. The senior goalkeeper played all 90 minutes and made four saves, including a pair during the first half to preserve the scoreless match.
Panaccione turned aside Babson chances from Adonai Samuel in the 22nd and 41st minutes before making another save on Alexander Yablonovskiy in the second half. His four-save shutout helped Roger Williams secure a result against a top-four opponent.
Hawks Continue to Push
Roger Williams continued to generate chances after halftime, with senior midfielder Dylan Thomas (Norwalk, Conn.) testing Babson goalkeeper Will Devall multiple times. Thomas recorded three shots and two shots on goal, while Jastrab added three shots and one on target.
Hawkins also registered two shots, including one that was blocked, while senior defender Brandon Rodriguez (Norwalk, Conn.) headed an opportunity wide in the 69th minute. The Hawks finished the afternoon with 12 shots and five shots on goal, matching Babson's 12 total attempts.
A Statement Result on the Road
Although neither team found the back of the net, Roger Williams leaves MacDowell Field with a result that highlights the Hawks' ability to compete on both sides of the ball against nationally ranked competition.
The Hawks matched Babson's shot total, created six corner kicks and held the Beavers to just four shots on goal. Defensively, Panaccione and the RWU back line produced a clean sheet, while the Hawks' attack continued to create opportunities throughout the 90 minutes.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Hawks return home on Saturday, September 19, when they continue Conference of New England play against Western New England at Bayside Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
