NEW LONDON, Conn. — Despite Bernardo Simoes (Lisbon, Portugal) and Matt Birnhak (East Dix Hills, N.Y.) combined five saves in the box, the Trinity College men's soccer dropped a 3-0 contest against New England Small College Athletic Conference opponent Connecticut College on Tuesday. The Bantams fell to 0-2-2 overall and 0-2-1 in the league, while the Camels improved to 4-1 and 2-1.
 
Almost 13 minutes into the first half, Gaven Berg Vanden notched the first goal of the game for the home team and connected with the high left corner of the net. Connecticut scored twice more in the second half off a penalty kick by Augie Djerdjaj (63:24) and a high left shot by Steve Yeonas (70:38).
 
The Camels outshot Trinity 18-8 with eight at the target compared to the visitor's lone shot on goal. Simoes started the game for the Bantams and stopped four shots, while Birnhak made his season debut in the final three minutes for the final save. Dante Merlin (South Windsor, Conn.) and Gabe Mangiafico (Old Saybrook, Conn.) contributed to more than half of Trinity's shots with two and three, respectively.
 
The Bantams return home to host in-state NESCAC rival Wesleyan as part of Trinity's Homecoming weekend on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Trinity Soccer Field.