Seawolves Power Past Knights In Season Opener

HAVERHILL, Massachusetts – Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) opened its 2025 campaign with a statement win on Thursday night, defeating Northern Essex Community College (NECC), 4-1, under the lights in a non-conference battle. Sophomore Kaden Pillsbury (Strong, Maine) netted two second-half goals to help lift the Seawolves (1-0-0) past the Knights (1-2-0), who entered the match as the defending NJCAA Region 21 champions.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Seawolves got on the board first in the opening half when Ibrahim Alzirkani slotted home a finish off a through ball from freshman Sean-Marley Rwabira (Cumberland, Maine) to make it 1-0.

The second half saw a chance for NECC to equalize but failed to convert a penalty kick before being reduced to 10 men following a red card. Moments later, SMCC's Mohamed Ngido (Waldoboro, Maine) was also sent off after receiving a second yellow due to a mistimed challenge, leveling the playing field at 10 v. 10. NECC had a chance to claw back into the game with a second penalty kick but failed to convert once again.

The Seawolves erupted for three second-half goals. Pillsbury opened his account off an assist from senior Louis Sehr(Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire), and soon after, Ignacio Ruiz Garcia (Zaragoza, Spain) made it 3-0 with a finish off a pass from senior Jil-Emmanuel Sehr (Loganville, Georgia).

NECC was awarded a third penalty and converted to make it 3-1, but SMCC put the game to bed when Pillsbury bagged his second of the night, this time courtesy of freshman Jaxon Olsen (Gardiner, Maine), sealing a commanding 4-1 result.

KEEPERS:

Sophomore Ethan Homa (Westbrook, Maine) played the full 90 minutes in goal for SMCC, anchoring the defense.

CARDS:

Mohamed Ngido was sent off after picking up two yellow cards. Amisi Ngomu (Westbrook, Maine) and Cole Adawadkar (Springvale, Maine) were also cautioned. NECC was issued multiple yellow cards and had one player ejected early in the second half.

NEXT UP:

SMCC returns to action on Sunday, September 7, hosting the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) in a non-conference matchup. Kickoff is set for 2:00 PM at Wainwright Sports Complex in South Portland, Maine.