JOHNSON, Vt.- A strong first half ignited the Northern Vermont University-Johnson men's soccer team to a 5-0 win over the University of Maine Presque-Isle at Minaert Field on Saturday afternoon.
SCORING
1st Half: Five first half goals were the decider on Saturday afternoon. Freshman Aibek Allan Bijanov recorded the first goal of the contest in the 6thminute of action after a deflected shot from teammate Rob Buonanno. The Badgers continued their attack and it was Tyler Cirillo who found the net in the 24thminute off a pass through the middle from teammate Wyatt Moberg.
Freshman Marquiss Cruz in the 28thminute scored his first goal of the game. After trailing early in the half UMPI gained possession and had opportunities to score as they put two consecutive shots on goal but were unsuccessful. In the 40thminute Tristan Salgado was tripped up in the box and was awarded a penalty kick. Salgado capitalized pushing the Badger lead to four goals.
Buonanno scored his first goal of the contest in the 42ndminute to give the Badgers the 5-0 lead headed into the break.
2nd Half: No goals were scored in the second half. The Badgers recorded seven shots against the Owls two shots.
Freshman goalie Zach Blaser recorded two saves and played 45:00 minutes for the Badgers. Ryan Willette played 45:00 minutes and recorded one save.
With the win the Badgers move to 5-4-1 on the season and 2-2 in conference play.
STATS LEADERS
Goals: NVU-Johnson- Five Players (1)
Assists: Moberg (1)
Shots on Goal: Cruz (4)
STATS BREAKDOWN
Shots (On Goal): NVU-Johnson- 17 (11) Maine Presque Isle- 4 (3)
UP NEXT
Men's Soccer will travel to Paul Smith's College on Wednesday, October 9 to compete in a non-conference match.