MANCHESTER, N.H. – The fourth-seeded Saint Anselm College men's soccer team saw its 2026 season come to a close on Saturday afternoon, falling to fifth-seeded Franklin Pierce University, 1-0, in the first round of the Northeast 10 Conference Championship at Melucci Field.
The Hawks conclude their season with an 8-8 overall record after earning their first NE10 postseason appearance since 2023. Saint Anselm finished conference play with a 5-4 record, securing its first winning conference campaign since 2009. The Hawks also recorded their first winning regular season since 2005, marking the first winning campaign under head coach Bruno Victal, who took over the program in 2016.
Highlights
- Graduate student goalkeeper David Hood recorded seven saves across 90 minutes of action, including five in the second half.
- Junior Chance Prouty led the Hawks with two shots, both on goal.
- Junior Brian Jones and sophomore Harry McKinney each registered a shot on goal.
- Franklin Pierce held a 21-8 advantage in shots, including an 8-4 edge in shots on goal.
- Saint Anselm earned three corner kicks compared to two for the Ravens.
How it Happened
Jones recorded the first shot on goal of the contest in the fourth minute, forcing Franklin Pierce goalkeeper Toby Lewis to make an early save.
The Ravens generated several offensive opportunities throughout the opening half before breaking through in the 39th minute. Following a free kick near midfield, Afonso Oliveira sent the ball forward to Adolfo Pino, who redirected it toward Dani Almeida. Almeida headed the ball past Hood at the 38:22 mark to give Franklin Pierce a 1-0 lead.
Prouty looked to answer in the 43rd minute, placing a shot on goal that was stopped by Lewis as the Hawks entered halftime trailing by one.
Saint Anselm opened the second half with an opportunity from McKinney in the 53rd minute, but Lewis made the save to preserve the Ravens' advantage.
Hood kept the Hawks within striking distance throughout the second half, recording four saves between the 64th and 71st minutes.
Prouty registered another shot on goal in the 76th minute, followed by an attempt from senior Yves Maurer just moments later.
The Hawks continued searching for an equalizer in the closing minutes, earning a corner kick in the 88th minute before senior Jackson Dresens registered a shot that was blocked. Franklin Pierce held on for the 1-0 victory.
Up Next
The Hawks conclude their 2026 campaign with an 8-8 overall record and a 5-4 mark in Northeast 10 Conference play.
For the latest on Saint Anselm College Athletics, follow the Hawks on social media on X, Instagram, and Facebook. Be sure to catch all of the Saint Anselm Athletics action by subscribing to FloCollege.
