SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - The Union College men's soccer team picked up its first victory of the 2021 season on Sunday afternoon at College Park Field as the Dutchmen defeated New England College by a 3-0 score. Interim head coach Andrew Knight earned his first career win in today's contest. 

Sophomore Robbie Michalski led all players with three points, scoring the game's first goal and adding an assist. Juniors Christian Rufo and Evan Farr also scored for the home team, while junior keeper Kenyon Pelletier stopped a career-high 10 shots to earn his first collegiate victory and shutout.

The Dutchmen got the scoring started in the fifth minute when Michalski broke free and beat the goalkeeper cleanly. Junior Ryan Postlethwait threw the ball in from midfield before it was flicked forward by classmate Nate Boule to Michalski, who got behind the defense to find the back of the net. The Pilgrims began to pile the pressure on towards the end of the half, sending 11 shots towards the Dutchman net, but Pelletier stopped all seven that were on net in the half. 

Rufo extended the lead for the Dutchman in the 72nd minute when he headed home a cross from first-year Diego Pascual-Sanchiz. The scoring didn't stop there, as less than four minutes later Farr took a feed from senior Chris Muther and dribbled by the goalkeeper before finishing into the open net. 

The Dutchmen outshot the Pilgrims 17-16 in the win. 

The Dutchmen (1-1-0) will play again on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at College Park Field when they will look to add to their win total against Anna Maria.