NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich University men's soccer team opened its 2026 campaign in impressive fashion Tuesday evening, earning a 3-0 shutout victory over MCLA in a non-conference matchup on the newly designed and installed Sabine Field.
The Cadets wasted little time establishing themselves in the attacking third, controlling possession and creating consistent pressure from the opening whistle. Norwich registered 11 shots in each half and finished the contest with a commanding 22-2 advantage in total shots, including a 14-0 edge in shots on goal.
Norwich's pressure paid dividends early, as the Cadets broke through in the 10th minute to take the lead. Freshman Brian Baek (Fairfax, Va.) found the back of the net at the 9:56 mark, finishing off an assist from Diego Fuentes (Valencia, Spain) to give Norwich an early 1-0 advantage and score in his debut collegiate match.
The Cadets continued to dictate the pace following the opening goal, repeatedly testing MCLA goalkeeper Oliver Le Lacheur. Norwich recorded six shots on goal during the opening half, forcing Le Lacheur into a series of saves to keep the Trailblazers within striking distance.
Norwich continued to generate opportunities throughout the remainder of the opening 45 minutes, with Daniel Hennessey (Dubai, UAE) and Cameron Albrecht (Albuquerque, N.M.) among those creating chances for the Cadets. Hennessey recorded multiple attempts in the final 10 minutes of the half, including a shot that struck the woodwork with just over 30 seconds remaining before halftime.
Despite Norwich's sustained attacking pressure and presence in the attacking third, the Cadets carried just a 1-0 advantage into the halftime break.
The Cadets quickly added to their lead following the restart, doubling their advantage just over three minutes into the second half. Gabriel Cantarero (Annapolis, Md.) converted at the 48 minute mark, finding the back of the net off an assist from Miles Bergeson on a corner kick to push Norwich ahead 2-0.
With the two-goal advantage, Norwich continued to attack while calmly keeping control of possession and limiting MCLA's opportunities. The Cadets continued to find space in the attacking third, recording another 11 shots in the second half while holding the Trailblazers without a shot on goal.
Norwich added its third and final goal in the 69th minute when Diego Fuentes poked home a beautiful ball from Hennessy on the wing.
Fuentes finished the afternoon with a team-high four shots, including three on target, while contributing a goal and an assist to lead the Cadets offensively. Hennessey added five shots and an assist, putting two attempts on frame, while Cantarero recorded three shots, including two on goal, and a goal to the Norwich attack.
The clean sheet marked a complete team effort for the Cadets, who controlled both ends of the field throughout the contest both on the ball going forward and defensively, rarely ever being on their heels.
The victory also capped a successful day of soccer on Sabine Field for Norwich, with the Cadets' men's and women's programs combining for five goals and two shutouts across their respective season-opening contests.
The Cadets return to action on Friday, Sept. 4, when they travel to Vermont State University Castleton for a non-conference matchup against the Spartans. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
