SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine-- The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) men's soccer team clashed with the Warriors from Massasoit Community College in its season opener at Wainwright Sports Complex on Saturday, Sept. 2. The Seawolves picked up their first ever victory over the NJCAA powerhouse 2-1, in Coach Houghton's debut on the sidelines.

Massasoit dominated much of the possession in the early stages and struck first on a goal by Caio Soares, assisted by Joao DeAquino. Sophomore Giovani Lopez (Casco, Maine) found an equalizer after a scrap in the box and added what proved to be the game winner on a ball from frist-year Josiah Irish (Gorham, Maine) late in the second half.

Throughout the game, Massasoit totaled 24 shots, 13 of which on goal. The home team collected 12, five courtesy of Lopez.

Both goalkeepers went the distance- Massasoit's Nicholson Fontilus grabbed five saves and his courterpart and sophomore captain Bryton Kieltyka (Augusta, Maine) highlighted 12 saves.

Both teams displayed strong defensive performances, but it was SMCC's offense that captialized on the opporunities in front of goal to complete a come-from-behind win and begin its season in the win column.

The Seawolves return to the pitch on Thursday, Sept. 7 on the road to face Northern Essex Community College (NJCAA). Kickoff at Whitter Technical High School (Haverhill, Mass.) is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

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