NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – In an intense season opener at Shewcraft Field, the Norwich men's soccer team battled for a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA). The Cadets showcased persistence and poise before Shea Perkins (Carl Junction, Mo.) delivered the decisive blow in the 85^th minute.

After Norwich was granted the first corner of the contest, the Trailblazers caught the Cadets on their heels, but Kirk Rodgers (Lebanon, Ohio) shut down any opportunity. As the opening frame unfolded, Norwich was able to generate more on the offensive side, despite the scoreless deadlock remaining at the half.

The Cadets increased the pressure in the second half, forcing MCLA keeper Oliver Le Lacheur to make several stops to keep the game tied. Minutes after the Trailblazers cleared a Norwich corner, the Cadets' backline forced a turnover as MCLA was going on the counterattack. After gaining possession, Diego Fuentes (Valencia, Spain) sprung Perkins on a break, which he finished as he slid to the turf to put Norwich ahead with his first collegiate tally.

Coming off the bench, Perkins led the way in shot attempts and tied Christian Grubic (Montvale, N.J.) for the team high in shots on target with two. Between the pipes, Rodgers made four saves for his first clean sheet.

It will be a quick turnaround for Norwich, who will hold their home opener on Aug. 31 when they host Vermont State Castleton for the first time since 2019 at 1 p.m.