On Wednesday Oct. 9, the New Haven Chargers men’s soccer team took the field against the Southern Connecticut State University Owls. The Chargers had not defeated the Owls since 1984, but broke the streak on Wednesday. 

New Haven came out strong, when graduate student Tiago Vintem scored in the fifth minute of the game. The ball came in off a corner kick from New Haven and Vintem got the touch on it for his first career goal. New Haven continued to keep pressure on the Owls’ defense and in minute 44, just before the half, junior Sean Skeens scored his third goal of the season. The goal was assisted by sophomore Alvaro Ezpeleta. The Chargers went into the half with a 2-0 lead on the Owls.

 Southern Connecticut State University came out strong in the second half and tallied seven shots. Senior Stefano Lorusso was in goal for the Chargers and had one of his best days all season. He had two crucial diving saves in the second half to keep the Owls off the board. This was Lorusso’s second shutout of the season. 

The Chargers won the match, 2-0, their first win against Southern Connecticut State University in 35 years. This the Chargers’ first conference win of the season. New Haven moved to 3-5-1 overall and 1-4-1 in conference.

 The win was historic for the Chargers. Junior midfielder Estanislao Desseno was thrilled after the game. 

“It was a fantastic feeling being able to make history and demonstrate that this team has worked very hard and improved a lot,” said Desseno. “We have very high goals for the future and we feel this is only the beginning.”