KUA (3) vs Rivers (2)

 

Meriden, NH — Kimball Union Academy's Boys' Varsity Soccer team opened its season in dramatic fashion on Saturday, storming back twice to defeat The Rivers School 3-2 in the home opener at Grenier Field.

Playing with what may be the youngest roster in program history, the Wildcats found themselves in an early hole when a defensive clearing error allowed Rivers to slot home the game's first goal. But KUA answered before the half ended, as the team's central defensive midfielder, Anas, broke away from the pack and beat the Rivers goalkeeper one-on-one to level the score at 1-1 heading into the break.

 

Rivers regained the lead in the second half off a well-worked corner kick, pushing the score to 2-1 and testing the resolve of a Wildcats squad still finding its footing in game one. That's when Jackson's strength and determination found the net. Jackson buried two gritty late goals to flip the result, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and securing a come-from-behind victory in his Wildcats debut.

 

The win was built on KUA's midfield trio of James, Wes, and Anas, anchoring the defense throughout, snuffing out Rivers' attacking chances and giving the team the platform it needed to fight back twice. In goal, Gio came up big with a string of outstanding saves to keep the deficit manageable and preserve the eventual win.

 

For a roster this young to weather two separate deficits against a quality Rivers side — and answer both times — is a strong early signal for where this team is headed.

 

Up Next: KUA travels to face Brewster Academy on Wednesday before heading to Albany, NY for the NXT Tournament that weekend.