Golden Bears Drop CCC Decision to Roger Williams 2-1

BRISTOL, R.I. (October 15, 2021) – The Western New England University men's soccer team scored the first goal of the game but saw the Hawks of Roger Williams University score the next two and hold on late in the game as the Golden Bears have now dropped two out of their last three conference games. 

Records:

• Western New England: 7-4-2 (4-2-1 CCC)
• Roger Williams: 8-5-2 (5-1 CCC)

How it Happened:

In a defensive battle in the second half, the first half saw all the offense in the game, with the Golden Bears opening the scoring in the 9^th minute. First year Mike Milazzo received a pass and dribbled past the defender of Roger Williams before getting taken down inside the box, and received a penalty shot on the play. Milazzo previously scored a penalty kick earlier in the season, making him one for one of the season. Milazzo extended that mark with another goal, beating GK Jack Avellar to the lower right side of the net to give Western New England the 1-0 lead. 

Roger Williams would respond with a PK goal of their own when the Hawks leading goal scorer, Javi Beltran scored to the same spot as Milazzo did, to the lower right corner of the net to beat GK Brady Allen. Roger Williams would credit another goal in the 31^st minute to quickly extend their lead. After a shot was blocked by the Golden Bears defenders, Justin Horvath picked up the pinballing ball and took a shot that found the back of the net to give the Hawks the 2-1 lead. The Haws grab the lead in just over five minutes after the Golden Bears opened the with the game's first goal. WNE out shot Roger Williams 10-7 in the first half, though the Golden Bears managed just three shots on goal in the half. 

The second half was more of a defensive battle between the two CCC rivals. Both teams combined for nine total shots, just four that found their way on goal. GK Brady Allen came away with three second half saves, while the Golden Bears forced Avellar to make one save on their one shot on net in the half. WNE managed just one corner kick in the second half, while committing seven fouls. The Golden Bears would be unable to find goal in the second half, resulting in a 2-1 defeat, their third straight CCC match without a win after starting CCC play 3-0. 

Inside the Lines: 

• Four Golden Bears took two shots in the game, which was a team high. Jonny Clough, Aidan Rego, Malik Serriser, and Mike Milazzo all were credited with two shots. Roger William was led by Javi Beltran, who took four shots. 
• WNE took six corner kicks in the first 45 minutes of play but were unable to muster that same number in the second half, coming away with just one. 
• Goalkeeper Brady Allen made five saves on seven shots on goal faced. 
• After starting CCC play 3-0, WNE is 0-2-1 in their last three games. 

Up Next on the Schedule:

• Western New England will look to take a road victory as they travel to Salve Regina University on Wednesday, October 20 for a 7:00 pm match. 
• Roger Williams travel to Johnson & Wales University on Monday, October 18 for their final non-conference match of the season.