NORTH ANDOVER, MASS – The Merrimack College Men's Soccer team celebrated senior day by punching their ticket to the NEC tournament with a 3-1 win over Central Connecticut State University. 

The Basics
Score: CCSU 1, Merrimack 3
Records: CCSU (3-9-3, 1-4-3), Merrimack (5-7-3, 3-3-2)

Rapid Recap
Five seniors, Trym Kyvaag, Dylan Barreira, Adam Pinto, Carlo Romei, and Faisal Bajunaid, we're all honored pregame for all they have done in their four years with the Warriors. That celebration continued onto the playing field. Laurie Goddard struck first to add to his fantastic sophomore campaign. However, it was the Blue Devils striking back with a free kick goal to tie it up at one. 

The tie would eventually be broken at the 22 minute mark of the first half with a Liam Ziegler goal on a gorgeous feed from Goddard to boost his season point total. The Warriors would then add a cushion to their advantage with a Herman Rugland strike that beat the keeper to grab his first career goal. After that it was all about maintaining the lead and even with that they had numerous chances throughout the second half but it stayed at 3-1. The win sends Merrimack to the NEC playoffs securing the fifth seed, leapfrogging Le Moyne. It will be the final NEC playoff run before a transition to the MAAC and surely Tony Martone eyes a championship in his 42nd season.

Notes and Figures

• Laurie Goddard paced the Warriors with a goal and as assist
• Herman Rugland notched his first collegiate goal
• Liam Ziegler netted one
• Alvaro Rodriguez secured the win with 3 saves

Up Next
The regular season has concluded and it's on to the NEC tournament where it looks as if they will play Sacred Heart on Sunday.