WEST HAVEN, Conn. – Senior Nick Pezzente and freshman Gui Dos Santos each scored a goal on Saturday afternoon, lifting the University of New Haven men’s soccer team over Stonehill College, 2-0, at Kayo Field. Pezzente’s first goal of the season proved to be the difference, propelling the Chargers to their fourth win of the season.
With the win, UNH improved to 4-5-1 on the season and 3-5 in Northeast-10 Conference competition. Stonehill dropped to 4-4-1 overall and 2-4-1 in the league.
The Chargers’ offense flew out of the gates in this one, pressuring the Skyhawks’ backline for the opening 10 minutes of action. Despite the early surge, New Haven was not able to beat Stonehill’s keeper in the first half. The Chargers best chance came with 15 minutes remaining when Steven Gennuso received a through ball at the top of the 18-yard box. Gennuso’s strike sailed just wide of the left post and out for a goal kick. As the whistle sounded for halftime, the score was knotted up at 0-0.
After the intermission, New Haven turned their 7-2 deficit in shots around, garnering four shots by the midway mark in the second half. On the fourth shot, senior Nick Pezzente finally connected for the game’s first tally on a beautifully crafted goal. Gennuso carried the ball down the left side of the field and whipped in a cross to the far post. Joseph D’Antonio collected the ball on the back post, sent it into the middle where Pezzente slammed home the go-ahead goal.
With the goal, the momentum of the game turned in New Haven’s favor. 15 minutes later, Gui Dos Santos added an insurance goal on a feed from Andres Nunez. Dos Santos beat the keeper to the right side for his team-leading fourth goal of the season. The second Chargers’ goal concluded the scoring column for the afternoon, granting UNH a 2-0 triumph.
Jonathan Creem was solid in net once again for the Chargers, posting seven saves in the win. Brandon MacFarlane registered one save in the losing effort for the Skyhawks.
New Haven returns to action on Wednesday, October 6, when they play host to Le Moyne College. Game time is set for 4 p.m. at Kayo Field.
