Men’s soccer stays in good form

The Owls battled through a hard-fought matchup against a tough and steady conference rival. The university played Saint Michael’s University to a 0-0 draw. 

The team showed flashes of strong execution and resilience throughout the game, but players and coaches alike emphasized the importance of tightening up in key moments to reach their full potential. 

“Effort is not a problem with this group,” defender Edward Mensah, a graduate, said. “This group has no problem with effort.” 

With the result, the Owls move to 6-2-4 overall and remain unbeaten in league play at 3-0-3. The match proved to be a defensive showcase, as both sides limited each other to just two shots on goal. 

The university’s best chances came from Mensah and forward Giancarlo Ciotoli, a graduate, but neither could find the back of the net against a well-organized Saint Michael’s defense. 

Goalkeeper Diego Flores, a freshman, who was named NE10 Rookie of the Week last week, continued his impressive form between the posts. 

Coming off his third straight NE10 Rookie of the Week honor, Flores recorded two saves to notch another clean sheet, maintaining a strong first season in goal. 

Despite a solid core of veteran leaders, the Owls remain a notably young squad. 

Their starting lineup featured five players who are sophomores or younger, bringing a youthful energy that fueled their intensity and physical style of play throughout the match. 

In the first half, midfielder Ryad Benmessaoud, a freshman, picked up a yellow card, prompting Head Coach Kevin Anderson to go to his bench early. 

With the game hanging in the balance, the second half mirrored much of the first. The Purple Knights disrupted the Owls’ attack, forcing the Owls to make several in-game adjustments. 

“We showed up as a team. We were the better team out there, but we’ve got to execute, and we didn’t,” midfielder Samuel Nagy, a graduate, said. 

Nagy, who was named team captain at the start of the season, has experienced a mix of highs and lows throughout the year. 

Nagy was benched for most of the second half, only returning for the final ten minutes of play. 

“I didn’t play well,” Nagy said. 

As the Owls turn their attention to the final stretch of the regular season, their focus remains on consistency and execution. 

With an unbeaten conference record still intact, the university has shown it can compete with anyone in the NE10. 

Now, it is about turning stalemates into statements. 

The Owls will look to build on their defensive solidity and sharpen their finishing touch as they prepare for their next conference matchup on the road next week.