Western New England University

DANBURY, Conn. — The Western New England University men's soccer team opened the 2026 season with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Western Connecticut State University Tuesday afternoon at the Westside Athletic Complex. Western New England goalkeeper Brendan L'Italien turning aside four shots on goal to help preserve the shutout.
 

• Neither team was able to find the breakthrough in a physical opening half that saw both sides generate three shots.
• Western Connecticut created the first notable scoring opportunity in the 16th minute when Juan Gomez Herrera sent a shot wide of the right side of the goal. The Wolves later put pressure on the Golden Bears in the 33rd minute, but L'Italien made a save on Rodrigo Lancho's attempt at the bottom of the goal.
• Western New England began to generate opportunities of its own late in the opening period. Kareem Awkal registered a pair of shots in the 36th and 37th minutes, with his second attempt forcing a save from Western Connecticut goalkeeper Makai Smith. Junior Beyoko followed with another shot on target in the final minute of the half, but Smith again kept the Golden Bears off the scoreboard. The teams entered halftime still deadlocked at 0-0.
• Western Connecticut increased its offensive pressure after the break, recording 11 shots in the second half compared to four for the Golden Bears. L'Italien was called upon several times, making saves on attempts from Gomez Herrera in the 55th minute and Aidan Roxo in the 74th minute.
• The Golden Bears continued to look for opportunities despite the increased pressure. Jake Thibodeau sent a shot wide in the 52nd minute, while Awkal and Jacob Dounetos each registered attempts later in the half. Tyler Lewis also tested the Wolves' defense with a shot in the 79th minute.
• Western New England was forced to play the final 15-plus minutes down a player after a red card in the 75th minute. The Golden Bears responded defensively, with L'Italien making another save on Demani Gordon in the 86th minute as Western Connecticut continued to press for a late goal.
• The Wolves finished with a 14-7 advantage in shots, including a 4-2 edge in shots on goal. Western Connecticut also held a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks, but the Golden Bears' defensive effort kept the match scoreless through the final whistle.
• L'Italien played all 90 minutes in goal and recorded four saves for WNE, while Smith made two saves for Western Connecticut.

Up Next:
Western New England returns home for its 2026 home opener on Saturday, September 5, when the Golden Bears welcome Thomas College to Suprenant Field for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.