The Rivier men's soccer team is headed to its first GNAC title game since 1997. (Photo courtesy of Rivier Athletics)

NASHUA – In the 70th minute, sophomore Alejandro Quezada converted from the penalty spot and scored the eventual game-winner over Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) opponents, No. 6 Norwich, to send the Rivier men’s soccer team to their first championship game since 1997.

With the victory, the Raiders advanced to 9-4-7 (8-2-2 GNAC) and remained unbeaten in their last 12 contests, while the Cadets finished their season 8-5-5 (6-4-2 GNAC). The Raiders are back in action on Saturday, taking on top-seeded Saint Joseph (Conn.) in the GNAC Championship at the USJ Soccer Field.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Rivier controlled the pace of play through the first 45 minutes, outshooting Norwich 5-3, but couldn’t capitalize, sending the match into halftime locked at 0-0. Just shy of the midway point of the second half, Quezada broke the deadlock, burying one from the spot after first-year David Pereira drew a foul inside the box.

Norwich mounted several attacks in the final minutes, but were denied, sealing the match for the Raiders, 1-0

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

The Cadets outshot the Raiders 13-10…Norwich held the slight advantage in corners, 4-3…Junior Logan Clough made six saves on his fifth clean sheet of the season.