Keene State Men’s Soccer clinched a fourth seed in the Little East Conference in a close loss against conference opponent Rhode Island College (RIC).
On Saturday, Oct. 26, KSC’s Men’s Soccer traveled to Rhode Island to play their final in-conference matchup of the season. The Owls took on RIC, a tough competitor all season within the LEC.
The conference matchup began with both teams getting into their own grooves with scoring chances left and right. Neither team could make the goalie move much, but early on it was visible that tough defense would be a difference maker all day.
Corner kicks were traded by both squads, and a shot by RIC was saved by senior goalkeeper Regan Racicot. Four minutes after the save by Racicot, Keene State’s senior defenseman received a yellow card.
Before the first half wrapped up, Rhode Island College was able to find the back of the net and at 37:42 the Anchorman took a 1-0 lead. That lead was maintained and the first half ended with two players, one from each team, receiving yellow cards at minute 45.
The Owls struggled to get back on the offensive as the RIC pressure kept Keene State on their heels to start the second half. The road team managed to get just three shots on net while down one in the back half of the match.
In the final half alone, two Owls were handed yellow cards as well as three RIC players. A close game towards the end of a season calls for hard and physical play, and both teams delivered just that. Several fouls and yellow cards were called to regulate the effort-filled plays from both squads.
Keene State was unable to find that one goal to tie as the final horn marked the end of a 1-0 loss of the Owls. The defensive effort was evident from both sides in a low scoring battle.
Within the Little East Conference, Keene State’s Men’s Soccer has enough wins against conference opponents to lock them in at number four in the standings. Regardless of how the teams below them do, the Owls are secured to contend for the conference title. The Keene State Men’s Soccer team will play against the fifth seed in the first round of the LEC quarterfinals.
Jacob Enscoe can be contacted at
jenscoe@kscequinox.com
