NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich University men's soccer team secured a 2-1 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) victory over Regis College on Wednesday afternoon at Sabine Field, using goals in each half to build a two-goal advantage before holding off a late Pride push.
The Cadets opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Cristian Habiniak (North Branford, Conn.) found the back of the net off an assist from Daniel Hennessey (Dubai, U.A.E.), on the wing giving Norwich a 1-0 lead. The Cadets carried that advantage into halftime after limiting Regis to just five first-half shots.
Regis increased its pressure after the break, putting together a series of attacking opportunities and sustained pressure. Norwich goalkeeper Victor Kalorin (Raleigh, N.C.) came up with several important stops, finishing with four saves across the contest to help preserve the Cadets' lead, and the Cadets weathered the early half storm the Pride created.
Norwich added an insurance goal in the 76th minute after taking back the majority of posssesion and control when Nick DePeppe (Colorado Springs, Colo.) scored his third goal of the season, with Alessandro D'Arena (Berlin, Conn.) providing the assist with a slicing through ball donw the middle of the field from 50 yards out. The goal gave the Cadets a 2-0 cushion late in the second half.
The Pride continued to push in the closing minutes and broke through with a goal off a corner in the 89th minute, cutting the deficit to one. Norwich remained composed through the final moments to secure the conference win depsite the late rally.
Regis finished with a 17-9 advantage in shots, while Norwich put three attempts on target. The Cadets made the most of their scoring opportunities, converting twice to earn the 2-1 result.
With the win, Norwich improved to 8-4-3 overall and 5-3-2 in GNAC play. They will be back in action for Senior Day at home on Saturday at 7 p.m.
