Men’s Soccer Wins Season Opener, 2-1

ALLENTOWN, Pa.—The Rhode Island College men’s soccer team netted a pair of goals just 49 seconds apart to defeat Rutgers-Newark, 2-1, in the opening round of the Mule Classic, hosted by Muhlenberg College. Junior striker Jimmy Hernandez, Jr. (Providence, RI) registered the game-winning goal in the 74th minute as the Anchormen posted a victory in their season opener for the first time since the 2000 campaign.

Rhode Island College (1-0) opened the scoring in the 73rd minute when freshmen midfielder Jose Talavera (Providence, RI) scored his first collegiate goal, converting off a feed from sophomore midfielder Derek Arsenault (Greenville, RI). The Anchormen increased their lead when Hernandez broke in behind the Scarlet Raiders’ defense and slipped his first goal of the season past Rutgers-Newark goalkeeper Matthew Johnson. A prolific scorer, Hernandez transferred to RIC from Dean College, where he was the Bulldogs’ all-time leading scorer in points (101) and goals (43).

The Scarlet Raiders (0-1) entered the scoring column in the 82nd minute, when Joe Tutalo scored off a penalty kick.

Junior goalkeeper Jadon Neves (Warren, RI) made a save to earn his first victory of the season, while Johnson stopped six Rhode Island shots in the loss.

The Anchormen supplied constant pressure in the offensive third, outshooting Rutgers-Newark 18-6. The Scarlet Raiders committed 17 fouls, while RIC was tabbed for 13.

Due to the inclement weather in Allentown, Pa., the remainder of the Mule Classic has been cancelled. Rhode Island College returns to action at 1 p.m. on Sept. 9, when the Anchormen host M.I.T. at the RIC Soccer Field.