Men's Soccer Opens Season with 3-1 Setback to JWU

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Johnson and Wales University men's soccer team opened the 2021 season with a 3-1 victory over visiting Bridgewater State University on Wednesday night at rainy Scots Miracle-Gro Athletics Complex in Providence.

Senior midfielder Nick Gutekunst (East Northport, N.Y.) tallied a pair of goals for the Wildcats (1-0) who also received a goal from junior forward Esteban Osorio (Central Falls, R.I.).

After a scoreless first half, Gutekunst got JWU on the board in the 53rd minute as he converted a cross from junior midfielder Gianni Lisa (Emerson, N.J.).

The Bears tied the match in the 70th minute when a second chance opportunity for junior forward David Nelson (East Bridgewater, Mass.) hit the post, caromed off the outstretched Wildcat goalkeeper and into the back of the net. The goal marked Nelson's fifth of his career.

Bridgewater State nearly took the lead in the 86th minute as senior forward Kevin Roberts (Medway, Mass.) was stopped on breakaway by JWU junior netminder Jacob Friedman (Woodland Hills, Calif.). Less than a minute later, Osorio corralled a deflected ball just outside the 18 and blasted a shot inside the near post to put the hosts on top, 2-1.

Just eighty-two second later, Gutekunst converted a penalty kick to cap off the scoring.

Johnson and Wales finished with a 14-10 shot advantage for the game as well as an 8-3 edge in corner kicks.

Friedman turned aside three shots to record his third collegiate win. Sophomore goalkeeper Lukas Ekmanis (Baxter, Tenn.) made three saves in his debut with the Bears.

In upcoming actions, the Wildcats travel to Salve Regina University on Sunday (Sept. 5) afternoon to take on the Seahawks, while the Bears entertain Rhode Island College next Wednesday (Sept. 8) night at seven.