NORTHFIELD, Vt.- The Norwich Men's Soccer team closed out its regular season on Wednesday afternoon with a 2-0 win over New England College (NEC) to round out Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play.

After conceding an early corner to the Pilgrims, the Cadets pressed the attack, including several chances that misfired. Later in the half, NEC had a flurry of opportunities, but could not break through thanks to a team save and a second stop by Kirk Rodgers (Lebanon, Ohio). Norwich tested Pilgrim keeper Matt Guzman late in the frame, but he kept the contest scoreless heading into halftime.

Out of the break, the Cadets continued to press the attack and broke through in the 59^th minute. On their third corner of the half to that point, Alessandro D'Arena (Berlin, Conn.) sent the ball from the left flag, just out of the long reach of Guzman, and found the head of Shea Perkins (Carl Junction, Mo.) at the right post to break the scoreless deadlock. After Norwich was prevented from extending their lead, the Pilgrims sought the equalizer but were repeatedly turned away by Rodgers.

In the final minute, the Cadets countered NEC and extended their advantage. Diego Fuentes (Valencia, Spain) took possession in the midfield and sprang Daniel Hennessey (Dubai, U.A.E.) on a rush. As the defense converged on Hennessey, he passed it off to Nick DePeppe (Colorado Springs, Colo.), who slid a shot under Guzman to seal the win with his first collegiate goal, while Rodgers earned his fifth clean sheet of the season.

With the regular season drawing to a close, the Cadets will now compete in the GNAC Tournament. The Quarterfinal round is set for Saturday, Nov. 1, with the time and opponent to be determined.