Rivier University

NASHUA, N.H. - The Rivier men's soccer team welcomed Norwich University to Merrill Field on Wednesday evening for a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) matchup. In a contest that featured quality scoring opportunities for both sides, the Raiders capitalized on their chances and earned a 4-1 victory over the Cadets. 

With the result, Rivier improved to a 4-6-2 record (2-3-1 GNAC), while Norwich fell to 6-3-2 (3-2-1 GNAC).  

HOW IT HAPPENED 

• The Raiders capitalized early when junior Vincent Arsenov connected with sophomore Andrew Hopen to take a 1-0 lead. 

• The Cadets nearly evened the score soon after, producing quality chances, but the Rivier defense was able to hold them off. 

• With just over four minutes remaining in the opening half, first year Samuel Ospina found first year Mouad Yzzogh who netted the ball, recording his first collegiate goal and doubling the Raiders lead.  

• Heading into halftime, the two teams were equal in shots, each recording four. 

• Coming back from the break, Rivier wasted no time extending their lead as Arsenov put another one past the Norwich goalkeeper less than three minutes into the second half.  

• The Cadets quickly responded less than two minutes later, cutting the deficit to 3-1. 

• Norwich nearly closed the scoring gap soon after, but graduate student AJ Deyarmin made two impressive back-to-back saves to secure the Raiders two goal lead.  

• Despite the Cadets' efforts to build momentum nearing the end of the half, Yzzogh shut down all hope as he widened the scoring margin with his second goal of the contest off an assist from first year Kai Schrepfer. 

• Rivier continued to push through the remainder of the half with solid defense and forceful offense to secure their 4-1 conference victory. 

BOXSCORE BREAKDOWN 

• Aresenov and Yzzogh each recorded a brace, accounting for all four of the Raider's goals.  

• Although Rivier capitalized on four of 11 shots (7 SOG), the Cadets narrowly took the edge with twelve total shots (8 SOG). 

• The Raiders earned three corners while Norwich recorded four.  

• Deyarmin turned away seven shots to earn the victory between the posts.  

UP NEXT 

The men's soccer squad returns to home turf for senior night on Saturday, Oct. 10th against GNAC opponent Dean College. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. at Joanne Merrill Field.