HAVERHILL, Mass.-- The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) men's soccer team suffered its first loss of the season on the road vs. Northern Essex Community College (NECC), 5-2, on Thursday, Sept. 7.

The first half of the game saw NECC take an early lead with a goal from Kaleb Gianini, assisted by Estevan Arango, in the 25th minute. However, SMCC quickly equalized in the 34th minute when first-year Carsen Cyr (Madawaska, Maine) scored with an assist from sophomore Giovani Lopez (Casco, Maine). NECC regained the lead just two minutes later, with Jadiel Bonfim finding the back of the net, courtesy of Jonathan Diaz's assist. The first half ended with NECC leading 2-1.

In the second half, Knights' Diaz extended their lead in the 57th minute, with Ronan Harrington providing the delivery. Bonfim scored his second goal of the game in the 63rd minute, putting NECC comfortably ahead with a 4-1 lead. SMCC managed to pull one back in the 82nd minute when sophomore captain Luke Perry (Ellsworth, Maine) scored, assisted by first-year Tim Eulenberger. NECC solidified the win converting a penalty kick in the 85th minute.

Defensively, NECC's goalkeeper, Will Paganini, put together eight saves; SMCC's goalkeepers, first-year Bryton Kieltyka (Augusta, Maine) and sophomore Ian Allen, (Avon, Maine) combined for eight saves.

NECC had the upper hand in shots, with a total of 20 compared to SMCC's 10. NECC also had more corner kicks, with 11 compared to SMCC's three.

The Seawolves slip to 1-1 on the year and return to action on Saturday, Sept. 9 in a showdown with the Community College of Rhode Island. Kickoff from Waintwright Recreation Complex is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

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