September 6, 2008
Eagles Edged In Season Opener In Double Overtime, 2-1

Courtesy New England College Sports Information
Henniker – NEC’s Rob Kennedy (Lynnfield, Mass.) would put in a rebound with 4:27 remaining in double overtime lifting the Pilgrims over the visiting Daniel Webster College Eagles 2-1 Saturday afternoon. The win is the first of the season for the Pilgrims who improve to 1-2-0 overall, while the loss drops the Eagles to 0-1-0 on the season.

The two teams would battle closely throughout the opening half of play as neither team would be able to find the goal and each team would record just one shot on net. NEC would have several first half opportunities recording eight corners but the Daniel Webster defense would stand strong as the two teams would head into halftime tied 0-0.

Daniel Webster’s Spencer Bernard (Windsor Locks, Conn.) would break the scoreless tie netting his first goal of the season on a breakaway at the 57:37 mark to give the Eagles the lead. The Pilgrims would answer just under seven minutes later as Drew Warwick (Exeter, N.H.) would score off a nice assist from Ian Coorssen (E. Kingston, N.H.) at the 64:03 mark knotting the game at 1-1.

The Pilgrims would hold the 13-4 edge in shots in the second half but again the Eagle defense would hold strong, including keeper Joe Keene (Bristol, N.H.) who would record six second half saves sending the game into overtime tied 1-1.

Neither team would muster a shot in the first overtime but NEC’s Kennedy would come through with the game-winner putting in a rebound off a Nick Manocchio (Chepachet, R.I.) shot at the 105:33 mark leading the Pilgrims to the 2-1 win.

Picking up the win in goal for NEC was Jon Mayo (Merrimack, N.H.) who finished the afternoon with two saves. In goal for Daniel Webster was Joe Keene who collected eight saves on the afternoon.

New England College will be back in action on Thursday, Sept. 11 when they travel to take on in-state rival Rivier College at 7:00 p.m. Daniel Webster travel to take on Regis College on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 4:00 p.m.