Boston, Mass.--Sophomore midfielder Elijah Santos (Wakefield, R.I.) scored the Anchormen's only goal as Rhode Island College opened the 2024 season with a 2-1 setback at Emmanuel College on Sunday afternoon.
 
THE BASICS
Emmanuel 2, Rhode Island College 1
Emmanuel College (1-1)
Rhode Island College (0-1)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• Emmanuel led first after a goal by sophomore forward Cam Naples (New Britain, Conn.) put the host's ahead in the 22^nd minute.
 
• Not long later, Santos scored his first career goal in the 28^th minute to equalize the contest. Junior forward Sekou Kamara (North Providence, R.I.) notched the assist on the marker. 
 
• The two teams were deadlocked, 1-1, until the 76^th minute where Naples netted his second of the game for what proved to be the game-winning strike.
 
• RIC senior goalkeeper Wesley Perrotto (Pembroke, Mass.) made two saves in the loss (0-1).
 
• Saints' junior goalkeeper Maddox Pierce (Meriden, Conn.) made three saves in the first half before giving way to sophomore Aristidis Stefanis (Lincoln, Mass.) for the second frame. Stefanis stopped one shot and earned his first collegiate win (1-0).
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will host Roger Williams on Wednesday, Sept. 4 (4 p.m.).