PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Johnson & Wales (RI) University men's soccer fell one goal shy of capturing its first Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) crown since 2019 with a 2-1 loss to the University of Saint Joseph Saturday afternoon in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Finals action at the Scotts Miracle-Gro Athletic Complex.
The loss was the first in 38 home matches for the Wildcats, who entered the championship 33-0-4 at the SMAC, dating back to 2018. The Blue Jays – who were making their first-ever appearance in the GNAC Championship match – struck for a pair of goals in the second half, including the game-winner with 11:35 remaining in regulation.
Graduate student Nick Gutekunst staked the Wildcats (15-2-3) to a 1-0 lead with his fourth goal of the season at 26:01. Senior Austin Sweeney was credit with the assist on Gutakunst's goal, which found the top corner of the net. JWU closed the first half with an 8-4 advantage in shots.
USJ (13-3-3) tied the match at one at 58:46 on a marker from DeAnte Anderson before Michael Torres' unassisted goal late in the stanza have the visitors a 2-1 lead. The Blue Jays outshot the Wildcats 9-2 in the second half.
