NASHUA, N.H.- The Norwich University men's soccer team saw its 2025 campaign come to a close Tuesday night, falling 1–0 to second-seeded Rivier University in a hard-fought Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Semifinal.
From the opening whistle, the Cadets showed composure and confidence, dictating the early pace and earning the first scoring chance of the match. Just seven minutes in, Jack Hunt (Gilbert, Ariz.) broke free on the right side and forced Raider goalkeeper Logan Clough into an early save. The Cadets maintained steady pressure, moving the ball through midfield with precision while keeping Rivier pinned in their defensive third.
Rivier answered with a burst of its own, testing Norwich senior keeper Kirk Rodgers (Lebanon, Ohio) with a pair of dangerous chances midway through the first half. Rodgers, playing in his final collegiate match, stood tall while collecting three saves in the opening 45 minutes and organizing his back line through a sequence of tense moments. The first half progressed like a tactical battle defined by structure, discipline, and the composure of two sides unwilling to yield.
As the second half unfolded, both sides fought to gain control in the midfield, where possession came at a premium. Norwich continued to create opportunities, with forwards Gabriel Cantarero (Annapolis, Md.), Andrew McDonough (Gilford, N.H.), and Ben Rubinstein (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) each forcing Clough into key saves that kept the match level. The Raiders capitalized on their best chance in the 70th minute when they earned a penalty kick, which Alejandro Quezada calmly converted to break the deadlock and give Rivier a 1–0 lead.
True to their "I Will Try" spirit, the Cadets refused to fade. They pushed numbers forward and maintained pressure in the attacking third, earning four corner kicks and outshooting Rivier 10–6 in the second half. Cameron Albrecht (Albuquerque, N.M.) nearly found the equalizer in the 81st minute, but Clough turned away his strike with a save that preserved the narrow lead. Norwich kept pressing until the final whistle, their energy and resolve never waning, even as time ran out on the season.
The defeat marked the end of a year defined by progress and perseverance. Under the leadership of Head Coach Rob Emmett, the Cadets improved by two wins from their 2024 total, finishing as one of the GNAC's most competitive programs and earning a place among the conference's final four teams. The semifinal appearance underscored Norwich's continued rise within the GNAC ranks, fueled by a balanced roster of veteran leadership and emerging young talent.
For Rodgers and fellow seniors Oleksandr Kharchuk (Ukraine) and Loagen McMahon (Clarksville, Md.), the match marked a proud final chapter in their distinguished Norwich careers. Together, they leave behind a legacy of commitment and competitiveness, helping guide a program that continues to build momentum for the future.
"It's a mix of emotions after tonight's result," said Head Coach Rob Emmett. "Two great teams battled hard all night, and I'm gutted for our seniors because they deserved more. But I am extremely proud of our group for the fight, determination, and commitment they have shown all season long. We will learn from this experience and use it as motivation to get better as we look ahead to next fall."
Though the season ended short of a championship berth, the Cadets' growth was unmistakable. Their ability to challenge the conference's top teams, compete in high-pressure moments, and respond with grit speaks to the direction of the program. With a strong returning core and the lessons learned from this postseason run, Norwich men's soccer heads into the offseason with belief, focus, and the drive to go even further in 2026.
From the opening match of the season to the final whistle in Nashua, the Cadets embodied the values that define Norwich Athletics—teamwork, grit, and pride in every performance. While the scoreboard favored Rivier on this night, the lasting story of the 2025 season will be one of growth, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that continues to define Norwich men's soccer.
