NORTH ANDOVER, Massachusetts The eighth-seeded American International College men's soccer team struck first, but ultimately fell 2-1 to the fourth-seeded Merrimack Warriors in the Northeast-10 Conference Semifinal to end the 2018 season on Friday, November 2.
FAST FACTS:
SCORE: Merrimack 2, AIC 1
RECORDS: AIC concludes the year at 7-9-2, while Merrimack improves to 13-5-0.
LOCATION: Martone-Mejail Field, North Andover, Massachusetts
STATS:
AIC:
Connor Hicks: One goal
Nicholas Romei: Loss (4-3-2), four saves
Merrimack:
Filippo Begliardi Ghidini: Game-winning goal
Lars Sund: One goal
Aasmund Joedahl: One assist
Tyler Packett: Win (13-5-0), three saves
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- It was nearly half an hour into the game that the scoreless deadlock was broken, as sophomore midfielder Connor Hicks blasted home his second of the year at 28:56 for a 1-0 AIC lead.
- Out of the break, the Warriors struck quickly to level the score, with Lars Sund scoring for the 1-1 tie at 46:34.
- The game remained even until the 65th minute, when a pass from Aasmund Joedahl found Filippo Begliardi Ghidini, who shot home the go-ahead tally at 64:03.
- AIC had several chances to tie the game, including a header by Hicks that was saved with less than a minute remaining, but the Warriors held on to advance to Sunday's NE10 Championship game.
RED HOT HICKS:
- Hicks' goal was his second in three games and brings his points streak to four games (2-3-7). He had no goals and two assists on the year prior to the hot streak.
STAY CONNECTED:
- For more updates about the AIC men's soccer team, follow@AICMSOCCERonTwitterand Instagram and likeAIC Men's SocceronFacebook. For updates on all AIC Yellow Jackets teams, follow@AICAthleticsonTwitterandInstagram, and likeAIC Yellow JacketsonFacebook.
