Valhalla, NY (August 29, 2025) – The Northern Essex Community College men's soccer team, ranked 10th in the NJCAA pre-season poll opened the 2025 campaign in thrilling fashion on Friday with a 3-2 non-conference road victory over Westchester County.
Oriol Jean (Methuen) scored the game winner with 30 seconds remaining in the contest on a perfectly placed cross from Christian Colem (Nashua, NH) that beat the Vikings keeper to his right.
The Knights opened the scoring and took a 1-0 in the 20th minute on a goal from Ilembo Kiza (Lowell) with an assist credited to Maxim Chriss (Lexington).
Following a Westchester goal, the NECC would take a 2-1 lead into halftime on a goal from Gabriel DosReis (Somerville) assisted by David Ospina (Lowell).
Rolston Ladd (Candia, NH) made the start in goal and recorded four saves in his debut in net.
The Knights will continue their season opening two game road trip tomorrow when they head to Windsor, NJ to take on Division 2 pre-season nationally ranked #7 Mercer County. NECC will open the 2025 home campaign on Thursday September 4th when they play host to Southern Maine Community College in non-conference action at 7:00pm at Whittier Tech High School.