The Johnson & Wales Men's Soccer team took to the field at the Scotts Miracle-Gro Athletic Complex on Saturday afternoon against Colby-Sawyer for their first Great Northeast Athletic Conference tilt of 2021.  The Wildcats earned a 3-1 victory behind two goals from Senior JP Rioux (Stony Point, N.Y.). Johnson & Wales improves to 3-0 (1-0 GNAC) on the season while Colby-Sawyer falls to 0-3 (0-1 GNAC).

Johnson & Wales broke the deadlock just seven minutes into the game with a goal from Rioux.  Rioux found the back of the net after latching onto a through ball over the top from Chuckie Tenbusch (Williamsburg, Va.), and slotted past the goalkeeper for the first goal of the game. 

Colby-Sawyer drew one back in the 19th minute through Fabrice Francois, who found himself in on goal and chipped the ball into the net for the game tying goal, with an assist from Braeden Carleton.

Both Johnson & Wales threatened throughout the remainder of the first half, but Colby-Sawyer had the best chance with under 20 second remaining.  The Chargers corner kick was headed towards goal, striking the crossbar with the rebound being cleared off the line by the Wildcats.

Early in the second half, the Wildcats started to apply consistent pressure to the Chargers.  After a centering cross in, Rioux found Esteban Osorio (Central Falls, R.I.) at the back post, who was able place his shot past the Colby-Sawyer goalkeeper, restoring the one goal lead for the Wildcats.

Rioux found himself in front of goal against just three minutes later.  His first shot was saved but he followed through and blasted home his second attempt for his second goal of the day, giving the Wildcats a 3-1 lead.

Johnson & Wales and Colby Sawyer played out the rest of the game with neither team scoring to give the Wildcats a 3-1 victory in their first GNAC game of 2021.  Jacob Friedman (Woodland Hills, Calif.) earned the victory in net for the Wildcats, his first of 2021.  The Wildcats get back in action next Friday for a 6:00pm GNAC tilt against Regis at home.