Providence, R.I.--Graduate forwards Jonathan Oliveira (Providence, R.I.) and Braeden Cannon (Cranston, R.I.) each scored to lead No. 4-seeded Rhode Island College past No. 5-seeded Eastern Connecticut, 2-1, in first round action of the 2023 Little East Men's Soccer Championship at Alumni Stadium on Tuesday evening.
 
THE BASICS
No. 4 Rhode Island College 2, No. 5 Eastern Connecticut 1
Rhode Island College (9-4-5)
Eastern Connecticut (6-7-4)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• Despite the Warriors outshooting RIC, 5-1, at the time, the Anchormen were able to strike first when graduate student Oliveira scored his 13^th goal of the season in the 25^th minute to put the hosts ahead. The assists went to freshman forward Cody Granville (Wakefield, R.I.) and junior midfielder Jesus Guarcas (Providence, R.I.).
 
• The two sides continued to exchange shots into the second half. RIC was able to extend the lead in the 78^th minute, when a clearing attempt found Cannon, who then connected on a shot from just beyond the goal box.
 
• Just a minute later, the Warriors would get on the board after junior forward Sean Cafferty (Clinton, Conn.) would slip one in the lower left portion of the goal to cut the Anchormen's lead in half.
 
• The Anchormen would anchor down defensively, allowing only one shot over the final 10 minutes to secure the victory.
 
• Junior goalkeeper Jake Reed (Cumberland, R.I.) recorded six saves in the win (7-2-3).
 
• Eastern Connecticut senior goalkeeper Dylan Pallanck (Willington, Conn.) posted five saves in the defeat (5-6-2).
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, No. 4 Rhode Island College will travel to No. 1-seeded UMass Boston for a semifinal game on Thursday, Nov. 2 (noon).