A Strong Start
Brown University’s men’s soccer team opened its 2026 campaign in convincing fashion, downing New Haven 2‑0 on a crisp evening at the campus field. The Bears controlled the tempo from the outset, limiting the visitors to just two shots in the opening half while carving out five chances of their own.
The scoring opened early when Sawyer Turiace found the back of the net, marking his first career goal and giving the hosts a deserved lead. The momentum carried through the midfield, and a precise long pass from Carter Smith set up the second goal, which arrived in the 83rd minute as Lorenzo Amaral tucked the ball past the goalkeeper.
Key Contributions
Both goals were created by Donovan Mark, whose incisive passing sliced through New Haven’s defense and opened space for his teammates. Ethan Rabel also earned his first collegiate point during the match, underscoring the depth of talent on the roster.
Between the posts, Max Pfaffman delivered a standout performance, making three saves and preserving a clean sheet on his season debut. His composure under pressure gave the Bears a reliable backbone as they pressed forward.
Looking Ahead
The Bears will now turn their attention to a road test against the UConn Huskies on September 3 at Joseph J. Morrone Stadium. The upcoming clash promises another examination of the early chemistry that has already begun to define this season’s identity.