Box Score BABSON PARK, Mass.—Senior Adam Villari scored in the 88th minute to help Babson College defeat visiting Eastern Connecticut State University, 2-1, in non-conference men's soccer action Thursday afternoon in the season-opener for both teams at Hartwell-Rogers Field.
Villari also added an assist for the Beavers, who won their season-opener for the third time in the last four seasons. Sophomore Noah Parker finished with a goal and an assist, while classmate Ted Hilger and first-year Alex Crompton each contributed an assist in the win.
The Warriors shut out Babson, 3-0, in last year's season-opener at Thomas Nevers Field, but the Beavers have trimmed Eastern by a goal the last three times the teams have meet at Hartwell-Rogers Field.
As one of three newcomers to start, freshman forward Griffin Luczek (Lee, NH) scored his first career goal in his first career match. Junior Xavier Doran (Hebron) sent a long ball to sophomore Justin Grant (Cromwell) and Luczek one-timed the cross past Babson junior keeper James Takami to pull Eastern even just over two minutes into the second half.
After creating a number of early opportunities, Babson broke through with the opening goal of the game in the 23rd minute. Hilger played a ball over the top of the Eastern Connecticut defense for Parker, who took a touch and slotted a shot inside the right post for his third career marker.
Eastern outshot Babson, 10-4, in the second half (14-13 in the game), but the hosts took the lead for good with just 2:10 left in regulation. Crompton collected a pass along the right sideline and played a long centering pass behind the defense for a streaking Villari, who gained possession and tucked his shot inside the left post for the game winner.
Takami, who was making his first collegiate start, finished with three saves, while sophomore Ryan Murphy (Cromwell) made a pair of saves, both in the first half.
Eastern visits Ramapo College Sunday at 2 p.m. The Warriors bring an eight-game unbeaten streak (6-0-2) against the Roadrunners into the match.
