BOSTON, Mass. – In their Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) opener, the Norwich Men's Soccer team met Emmanuel in a 2022 GNAC Quarterfinal rematch Tuesday night at Roberto Clemente Field where the Saints and Cadets battled to a 1-1 draw.

Norwich dominated in possession out of the gate with three shot attempts within the opening 15 minutes, totaling seven by halftime. In the 32^nd minute, the Cadets drew a free kick. Off a set piece, a right footed boot by Nathan Statires (Hampton, N.H.) found Cullen Swett (Williston, Vt.) for a header at the net mouth for Norwich's first goal of the campaign and the halftime lead.

The Saints came out swinging in the second half, with a shot attempt right off the bat. Eventually, a Norwich turnover led to a break the other way and Emmanuel's Joey Soucy netted the equalizer in the 56^th minute. Afterwards, the Saints kept pressing, but Nicolas Lanza (Cocoa Beach, Fla.) was equal to the task making two saves in the final frame, four overall, and keeping the game tied until its conclusion.  

"The first half was our best performance of the season to date, and it was great to finally get on the scoresheet," Head Coach Staige Davis said. "It was a good to get a point on the road against a tough opponent."

Still seeking their first win of the season, Norwich will take the turf at Sabine Field for the first time in the 2023 season when they play host to the defending GNAC Champion Blue Jays of the University of Saint Joseph on Saturday afternoon at 1 PM.