MEDFORD, MA (September 10, 2025) - The Tufts University men's soccer team rebounded from a rainy defeat last weekend with a sound 2-0 win over the UMass Boston Beacons to cap off their season opening homestand on Wednesday evening.
The Jumbos (2-1-0, 0-1-0 NESCAC) started off well against the Beacons (2-2-2, 0-0-0 LEC). Their rhythm and tempo held the ball away from their visitors, giving them plenty of time on the ball to go to work on offense. The pressure was mounting on the Beacons as the Jumbos won two corner kicks within the opening 15 minutes.
The pressure soon yielded its sweet reward as the Jumbos won a throw-in deep in the UMass Boston end of the pitch. Senior Mateo Bargana delivered his now-signature long throw into the penalty area, which was knocked around by first year
Alex Johnson before being pounded home by senior
Ben Pensky for his second goal of the season. It was Johnson's first point as a Jumbo as well, an excellent start to the regional nonconference match.
The dam had broken, and the Jumbos were quick to exploit the Beacon's defense once more. This time it was sophomore
William Cornog who won a scrappy battle in the midfield before releasing junior
Xavier Canfin to work his magic in the attacking third. Canfin darted to the top of the penalty area before releasing a beautiful strike past the opposing goalkeeper to double the Jumbos' lead in just three minutes.
From there, the visitors settled in, but the Jumbos were still peppering the opposing net with shots. They finished the first half with 11 to the Beacon's two.
The second half saw the Jumbos take control of the match's tempo once again as their crisp passing and strong positioning kept the opposition on their toes. The second frame of action saw a bit more life from the visiting offense, but Tufts goalkeeper
Nikola Antic would have a quiet evening in goal as he finished the night with a clean sheet but zero saves needed.
The pressure was maintained by the Jumbos' attackers the entirety of the second half, but the Beacons managed to weather the storm and kept the home side off the scoreboard for the remainder. The Jumbos wound up outshooting their opposition 18-7, and did not allow a single shot on goal.
The Jumbos will head up to Maine this weekend for their first road game of the season as they take on Colby College in Waterville at 3:30 pm.
--JUMBOS--
