MANCHESTER, N.H. – Freshman Zachary Heckt (So. Windsor, Conn.) netted his first career goal, but the Saint Anselm College men's soccer team dropped Wednesday evening's 5-1 decision to crosstown rival Southern New Hampshire University at Larkin Field.
The Hawks drop to 2-4 on the season, including 1-3 in Northeast-10 play, while the Penmen improve to 5-1 and remain perfect in the league at 3-0.
Southern New Hampshire snapped the scoreless deadlock 23:01 into the match as Mohamed Toufik's through ball deflected off a Saint Anselm defender and past senior goalkeeper Mark Kotsopoulos (Shrewsbury, Mass.).
Pierre Omanga began his stellar night by doubling the SNHU lead with a penalty kick score in the 32nd minute. Omanga stretched the lead to 3-0 in the 37th minute when he stole the ball from a defender, dribbled through the defense and fired a shot that found the back of the net.
Omanga then helped the Penmen take a 4-0 lead into the break after his pass to the middle found Joe Mahr, who maneuvered around a defender and beat Kotsopoulos with just 4:57 left in the opening half.
Omanga completed the hat trick at the 52:00 mark as he headed home a Brad Campion deflection off a Miguel Carneiro corner kick.
Heckt spoiled the shutout in the 81st minute when SNHU goalkeeper Myles Groenloh came out too far and Heckt put a loose ball by him.
Kotsopoulos made five saves, while Dom DiMaggio stopped all three shots he faced in 61:31 of action before being relieved by Groenloh, who only saw the one shot over the final 28:29.
SNHU outshot Saint Anselm, 19-6, and held a 12-0 advantage in corner kicks.
The Hawks return to action Saturday, Sept. 28 at 1 p.m. when they play host to the University of New Haven at Melucci Field. Stay up-to-date with the latest news, including game previews and recaps, directly from the Saint Anselm College athletic department by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter @STAHawks.
