Box Score BRISTOL, RI - Thomas College (0-2) was unable to hold on to a late lead, falling to University of Massachusetts-Boston (1-1), 4-3 in the consolation game of the RSU Men's Soccer Squad Locker Room Challenge.
Thomas struck first, notching a goal in the 13th minute. Tre Ming launched a strong pass up the middle between two Beacon backs to Max Hansson, who beat the defense to the ball. He then drove to the left side and fired a shot into the right corner for a 1-0 Terrier lead.
The Beacons returned the favor in the 27th minute. Rolando Barbosa was able to gain possession of the ball in the box and push a short chip over Thomas' keeper for the game-tying score.
In the closing minutes of the half, UMass-Boston came close to going into halftime with the lead. Barbosa took a hard shot from just outside the penalty area. Thomas' Joakim Sternas was able to make a great jumping save, which was almost for naught as his stop glanced off of the top of the cross bar. Marcelo Cunha then tried to score on the loose ball but had his shot bounce off the right post.
Thomas needed little time into the second period to regain the lead. Two minutes into the half, Marcus Johnson sent a short pass to the right to Dakota Duplissie. Duplissie would then deposit the ball into the left corner for the go-ahead goal.
In the 66th minute, London Steede-Jackson caught the Beacon defense off guard. He faked a pass and went with a short chip to the left corner, sailing the ball over the keeper and in for the goal.
The Thomas defense continued to bend throughout most of the second half, but finally broke in the final eight minutes of the game. After being brought down in the box, Elton Teixeira converted a penalty kick to bring the Beacons within two. ON the ensuing kick-off, UMass-Boston was able to gain possession, Teixiera gaining possession and bringing the ball to the right side and drilling the game-tying goal.
Two minutes later, Texiera emerged as the hero for the Beacons, maneuvering his way through multiple Terrier defenders to score the game-winning goal with just over six minutes left.
The Red and Black will be back in action on Tuesday in their home-opener when they face in-state foe Saint Joseph's College.
All-Tournament Team
Thomas College – #6 Dakota Duplissie
Thomas College – #10 Tre Ming
University of Massachusetts-Boston - #3 Elton Teixeira
University of Massachusetts-Boston - #20 Arlino Goncalves
Roger Williams University – #9 Tyler Peckham
Roger Williams University – #14 James Sheldon
Roger Williams University – #25 Cooper Allebrand
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – #5 Andrew Gondek
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – #7 Matt Koziol
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – #13 Vito Mesiti
Offensive MVP: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – #10 Matt Carberry
Defensive MVP: – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – #5 Andrew Gondek
Courtesy of RWU SID Department
