Rivier University

FITCHBURG, Mass. - The Rivier men's soccer team traveled to Elliot Field on Tuesday afternoon for a non-conference match-up against the Falcons of Fitchburg St. to open the 2026 season. The Raiders came back from a 1-0 deficit, scoring two goals in the second half to secure their first win of the year.  

With the results, the Raiders improved to a 1-0-0 record while the Falcons fell to 0-1-0.  

HOW IT HAPPENED 

• Late in the first half of the match, the Falcons opened the scoring as Jake Richard found the back of the net from an assist by William Badger. 

• The Raiders flipped the momentum in the early going of the second half. Sophomore David Pereira connected with classmate Vincent Aresnov to level the contest at one. 

• In the 76th minute, Pereira scored the game winning goal to secure the Raiders victory, tallying two points on the evening (2-1-1). 

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN 

• The Raiders finished with eight corner kicks while the Falcons recorded one. 

• Fitchburg St. fell behind in shots, as Rivier outshot them 12-6. 

UP NEXT 

The Raiders play host to non-conference opponent U. of New England for their 2026 home opener on Friday Sept. 4, marking the first of a three-game homestand. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. at Joanne Merrill Field.