Box Score SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (October 28, 2026) — Marcus Joshi scored his first two career goals, including the go-ahead tally early in the second half, as Western New England University men's soccer rallied from a two-goal deficit to earn a 3-2 victory over the University of Hartford on Wednesday at Suprenant Field. The Golden Bears scored three unanswered goals to complete the comeback and close the regular season with a victory, locking up a home game in the playoffs.
Records:
How It Happened:
First Half
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Hartford struck early, taking a 1-0 lead just 1:30 into the contest on a goal by Ron Palilo. The Hawks looked to build on the advantage, earning a corner kick in the ninth minute and continuing to test the Golden Bears' defense.
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Western New England began creating opportunities of its own, earning a corner kick in the 15th minute before Jake Thibodeau sent a shot wide. Ben Riley also threatened in the 21st minute, but his attempt missed the target as the Golden Bears worked to find an equalizer.
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The Golden Bears continued to generate chances as the half progressed. Owen Dieterle put a shot on target in the 31st minute, but Hartford goalkeeper Cristian Vitti made the save. Ryan Sunshine and Tyler Lewis also attempted to get Western New England on the scoreboard, while the team earned another corner kick late in the half.
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Hartford doubled its lead in the 40th minute when Eddie Hageman finished a chance assisted by Rory Ohalloran, putting the Golden Bears in a 2-0 hole with less than six minutes remaining before halftime.
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Western New England responded before the break. After Lewis forced another opportunity and the Golden Bears earned a corner kick in the final minute, Joshi found the net at 44:51 off an assist from Saif Shaker. The goal cut the deficit to 2-1 and gave the Golden Bears momentum heading into halftime.
Second Half
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Western New England wasted little time completing the comeback. Just 1:14 into the second half, Ben Riley scored the equalizer at 46:14, with Joshi and Nigel Martin credited with assists. The goal brought the contest even at 2-2 and erased Hartford's two-goal advantage.
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The Golden Bears moved in front less than four minutes later. At 49:26, Joshi scored his second goal of the afternoon off an assist from Dieterle, giving Western New England a 3-2 lead and completing the three-goal scoring surge.
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With the lead secured, Western New England continued to apply offensive pressure. Jacob Dounetos tested Vitti in the 58th minute, and Dieterle put another shot on target in the 65th minute. Riley and Lewis also forced saves as the Golden Bears continued to threaten.
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Western New England maintained its attacking presence through the closing stages, with Lewis striking the woodwork in the 76th minute. The Golden Bears earned consecutive corner kicks in the 83rd minute and continued creating chances as Hartford attempted to find an equalizer.
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Hartford earned a corner kick in the 90th minute, but the Golden Bears held on to secure the 3-2 victory. Western New England finished with a 25-7 advantage in shots and a 6-2 edge in corner kicks, controlling much of the attacking play after halftime.
Key Performances:
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Marcus Joshi scored his first two career goals, finding the net late in the first half before delivering the go-ahead goal early in the second. He also assisted Riley's equalizer.
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Ben Riley scored the equalizing goal at 46:14, finishing a play assisted by Joshi and Martin to bring Western New England level.
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Owen Dieterle recorded an assist on Joshi's second goal and put both of his shots on target.
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Tyler Lewis led the Golden Bears with seven shots, including three on goal, and struck the woodwork in the second half.
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Jacob Dounetos recorded three shots, including two on goal, as Western New England continued to pressure the Hartford defense.
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Team effort: Western New England outshot Hartford 25-7, including a 16-3 advantage in the second half, and earned six corner kicks to Hartford's two.
Up Next:
The Golden Bears locked up the three seed with today's win and will host a game in the Conference of New England (CNE) Tournament on Saturday, October 31 at 12:00 PM against the University of Hartford at Suprenant Field.
