BRISTOL, R.I. – Coming off a 4-0 road victory over Rhode Island College on Tuesday, the Roger Williams University Men's Soccer team returned to Bayside Field Friday afternoon for its 2026 home opener, welcoming UMass Dartmouth for a non-conference matchup.
The Hawks continued their strong start to the season, defeating the Corsairs 6-1 to improve to 2-0-0 on the 2026 campaign. Roger Williams erupted for five second-half goals after taking a 1-0 lead into halftime, while senior goalkeeper Eliot Panaccione (Pepperell, Mass.) anchored the defense with three saves over 90 minutes.
Marino Strikes First
The Hawks wasted little time applying pressure in the opening half, registering six shots and putting four on target.
Roger Williams broke through at the 41:27 mark when senior forward Patrick Marino (Wyckoff, N.J.) found the back of the net off an assist from senior forward Dylan Robbins (Johnston, R.I.), giving the Hawks a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
The first half featured an aggressive battle between the two sides, with both teams combining for multiple fouls and corner-kick opportunities. Despite the physical play, the Hawks maintained their narrow advantage entering the break.
Hawks Erupt in Second Half
Roger Williams came out firing after halftime, scoring five goals over the final 45 minutes.
Junior midfielder Kevin DeCapua opened the second-half scoring at 50:42, doubling the Hawks' advantage with an assist from Robbins.
Just under five minutes later, senior forward Tyler Jastrab found the back of the net at 55:28, extending the Hawks' lead to 3-0. Jastrab's goal was unassisted.
Roger Williams continued to keep its foot on the gas, as Lucas Luzuriaga (Riverside, Conn.) added another unassisted goal at 67:44, pushing the Hawks ahead 4-0.
Corsairs Answer, Hawks Respond
UMass Dartmouth managed to get on the scoreboard at 72:03 when Leonardo Alfama scored an unassisted goal, cutting the deficit to 4-1.
The Hawks quickly answered.
First-year forward Francisco Luzuriaga (Riverside, Conn.) recorded his first collegiate goal at 79:24, scoring off an assist from Michael Ciampolillo to restore Roger Williams' four-goal advantage.
With the clock winding down, first-year midfielder Phin Merriam (Haddam, Conn.) capped the scoring at 85:39, giving the Hawks their sixth goal of the afternoon.
Hawks Dominate Stat Sheet
Roger Williams finished the afternoon with a 17-9 advantage in total shots and a 12-4 edge in shots on goal. The Hawks also earned three corner kicks compared to four for the Corsairs.
Individually, DeCapua and Jastrab each finished with two shots on goal, while Massotti, Jennings, Murray, Francisco Luzuriaga, Phin Merriam and Lucas Luzuriaga also registered shots on target.
Panaccione played all 90 minutes in goal, making three saves while allowing just one goal.
With the victory, Roger Williams improves to 2-0-0 on the season.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Hawks will remain at Bayside Field on Sunday, September 6, when Roger Williams welcomes Hobart College for another non-conference matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.
