LEWISTON, Me. – Despite a determined effort, the Trinity College Men's Soccer team fell 2-0 to Bates College in their New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) opener on Saturday.

The first half of play ended in a 0-0 deadlock, despite the Bobcats having the upper hand in terms of pressure and shots. Bates outshot the Bantams 9-6 in the opening 45 minutes.

A key moment came in the 31st minute when Bates' forward Ollie Schiffstein had a clear chance to score after Trinity's goalkeeper, Felix Schmidt, fell out of position. However, Schiffstein's attempt went wide of the open net.

Schmidt redeemed himself with a crucial sliding tackle at the top of the box, to deny Bates' forward Tife Agunloye a breakaway goal and keeping the match scoreless. In the final moments of the half, Trinity's Sam Duncanson made a crucial defensive play by blocking a shot from the Bobcats, preserving the 0-0 tie going into halftime.  

In the 47th minute, Bates' Sebastian Lacovitti scored the game's first goal following a scramble in front of the net. Trinity sought to equalize with attempts from Collin Spiro and Nick Bellak, but both were thwarted by Bobcat defenders.

Bates secured the win with an insurance goal in the 78th minute from Benny Bogyo, who found the left side of the net. Despite trailing 2-0, the Bantams increased their offensive pressure in the second half, earning two corners and firing off six shots. Bellak led Trinity with four shots, including one on goal.

The match saw two yellow cards for Trinity: Bellak in the 38th minute and Kieran McCabe in the 55th minute.

The Bantams will return to their home field on Wednesday, September 11th, to host Wesleyan University in their All In Game, scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Trinity Soccer Field.

TRINITY ATHLETICS