Fall River native leads Bryant soccer to program’s first conference title, punch ticket to first Division I Men’s Soccer Championship

DURHAM, N.H. (America East Conference) – No. 1 seed New Hampshire (12-2-4) and second seeded Bryant (16-1-2) were locked in a scoreless overtime duel until the Bulldogs scored in the 102 minute. They managed to hold off the defending champions off the board for the final eight minutes to win the program’s first conference title.

Bryant’s Jonas Lyshoj played the hero as he ripped a beautiful shot past Joseba Incera at 101:43 for the go-ahead goal. However, the game wouldn’t have gotten that far without the efforts of the #AEMSOC Championship Most Outstanding Player Antreas Hadjigavriel. The Bulldog keeper finished with nine saves for his nation-leading 14th shutout of the season, according to a release by the America East Conference.

In addition to Hadjigavriel, Inigo Villaldea, Jonas Lyshoj and Kerman Sukia were also named to the All-Championship Team for Bryant. Isaac Heffess, Liam Bennett and Georgios Koilniatis were named to the All-Championship Team.

It was a battle throughout the first half as neither team was able to create many scoring chances. UNH finished with a 9-2 shot advantage in the opening 45 minutes, forcing Hadjigavriel to make four saves.

The second half was much more even in shots (6-4). UNH’s best chance in regulation came in the 75th minute as Eli Goldman appeared to have a breakaway opportunity but Hadjigavriel saw the play develop and charged the ball in the box to get a foot on it before Goldman had a chance to collect himself for the shot. Hadjigavriel also made a diving save seven minutes later on a tough shot by Taig Healy.

In the first overtime, Bryant had the chance to take a lead, but Joseba Incera charged a bounding ball in the box and was able to punch it out of harm’s way before the Bryant attacked could make a play on the ball.

Jonas Lyshoj gave the Bulldogs the lead for good in the 102nd minute when he dribbled into the near side of the box and with a defender on him ripped a shot past Incera into the far upper corner.

In December of 2022, Bryant University announced 2022 NCAA Championship soccer coach Ruben Resendes as the next head coach of the men’s soccer program.

Prior to his arrival at Bryant, Resendes and his staff were recognized as the United States Soccer Coaches as the East Region Coaching Staff of the Year for both years while at Franklin Pierce. Prior to arriving at Franklin Pierce, Resendes was the top assistant coach at the University of Vermont, helping guide the Catamounts to an America East Conference Championship in 2017. He also served as the head coach at Dean College, where he helped transition the program to the NCAA level. During his time at Dean, Resendes posted a 33-3 record, winning the regular season championship with a 16-1 record and earning East Region Coach of the Year honors. He also worked with the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer as scout for the First Team and Academy and coached the U23 and Academy teams.  

The Fall River native played two seasons at the New England Revolution Academy before enjoying a successful career at Southern New Hampshire University where he earned All-America honors and three All-Region selections.    

With the win, the Bulldogs punched their ticket to the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship for the first time. They will learn their tournament fate during the NCAA Selection Show, which takes place on Monday at 1 p.m. on NCAA.com.