Hooksett, N.H. - The St. Thomas Aquinas College Men's Soccer team kicked off its 2025 campaign on Thursday by visiting The Granite State to take on No. 19 nationally ranked Southern New Hampshire University at Mark A. Ouellette Stadium.
A strong first half start put the Penmen in the driver's seat from start to finish, as the hosts took a 4-2 decision over the Spartans.
STAC falls to 0-1-0 on the season, while SNHU moves to 1-0-0.
Philipp Herrmann tallied a pair of goals for the Penmen, while Charlie Preus and Felipe di Paola also scored. Goalkeeper Alvaro Garcia (W, 1-0) turned away two of four shots faced to earn the win.
Meanwhile, Kevon Evans and Adrian Castillo each struck for goals for the visiting Spartans. Keeper Dante Muntane (L, 0-1) made seven stops on 11 shots for St. Thomas Aquinas.
HOW IT HAPPENED
10th Minute: Philipp Hermann tallies his first of the year on a pass from teammate Martin Zapata to make it 1-0 SNHU.
25th Minute: Charlie Preus takes a feed from Castro and beats Dante Muntane to put the Penmen up 2-0.
30th Minute: Hermann notches his second goal of the day with another assist going to teammate Zapata, as SNHU takes a commanding 3-0 lead.
31st Minute: Moments later, Kevon Evans strikes for the Spartans to break the goose egg and cut the deficit to 3-1.
41st Minute: Goalkeeper Alvaro Garcia's boot to midfield send the Penmen on an odd man rush with Felipe di Paola burying a pass from Alex Pons to the back of the net to give Southern New Hampshire a 4-1 lead just before halftime.
61st Minute: A free kick from Jorge De La Vibora was tipped past keeper Alvaro Garcia by Adrian Castillo to cut the score to 4-2.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Southern New Hampshire outshot St. Thomas Aquinas, 19-9 with the Penmen putting the ball on frame nine times and the Spartans reaching the goal four times.
- SNHU earned a slight 4-2 advantage on corner kicks over STAC.
- Kevon Evans registered a team-high four shots, with two going on goal.
- The teams were whistled for 30 total fouls (19-11 So. New Hampshire) and six total yellow cards (three apiece).
UP NEXT
STAC hosts their 2025 home opener against Dominican University on Sunday, September 7 at Spartan Field. Kick-off between the Spartans and Chargers is set for 11:00 a.m.