WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – Regis College took the early lead, but University of Saint Joseph scored two goals, including one in the final minute of regulation, to pull out a 2-1 victory over the Pride Wednesday night in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference men's soccer match at the USJ Soccer Field.
In the fifth minute of play, Regis drew a corner kick, and Zack Acciardo (Derry, N.H.) sent a low line drive into the box. Diego Roman (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico) met the ball for a header and directed it into the back of the net for his third goal of the season, giving the Pride a 1-0 advantage.
Regis created another scoring opportunity midway through the first half, but a shot by Federico Lavini-Ayalla (Weston, Fla.) was turned away by Blue Jay keeper Jose Miguel Garcia Martin. Saint Joseph had a couple chances to tie the match in the final four minutes before halftime, but Ivan Ramirez (San Juan, Puerto Rico) was able to stop two shots from Brian Silva.
Seven minutes into the second half, Dane Stephens raced down the field on a breakaway, but his shot was punched away by Ramirez. The ball remained in the box, with Charles Mputu collecting it after trailing the initial play and finding Michael Torres, who found the upper right corner of the net for the game-tying tally.
Both teams had opportunities to pull ahead, including a penalty kick attempt in the 75th minute by Saint Joseph's DeAnte Anderson that sailed wide. In the final minute, Saint Joseph brought the ball down the field, Jared Galarza took a shot that was blocked, and Stephens followed with the rebound into the net for the game-winning goal with 23 seconds left in regulation.
Ramirez finished with seven saves in the match, while Garcia Martin made one save during the night. The Blue Jays ended up with 25 total shots, led by Anderson with eight shots. Nobody for Regis was credited with more than one shot.
Regis (5-5-1, 3-4-1 GNAC) hosts Dean College Saturday, Oct. 16, beginning at 1 p.m. It is the first of three home matches in five days for the Pride, as they also welcome Emerson Monday, Oct. 18, and Albertus Magnus Wednesday, Oct. 20.