It was a tough ending in Boston for the Rivier women's soccer team, bowing 2-1 to Emmanuel in the GNAC Finals. (Courtesy photo by Katie Morrison-O'Day/Rivier Athletics)

BOSTON, Mass. – The No. 2 seed Rivier women’s team historic season came to a close Saturday afternoon as they fell to Emmanuel (Mass.), 2-1, in the GNAC Championship at Roberto Clemente Field.

With the result, the Raiders conclude their season with a record of 14-5-2 (11-1-1 GNAC), while the Saints improved to 15-3-3 (11-0-2).

Emmanuel (Mass.) got on the board 4:21 into the game off a unassisted tally by Aleena Solano. The Raiders record four chances in the half, but were unable to convert leaving the score the same heading into the break.

Just shy of eight minutes into the second half, junior Maya Leach scored the equalizer off a feed to first-year Bailey Gatchell. But the Saints broke the deadlock in the 81st with Paige Letourneau finding recording the game winning goal.

Leach recorded a team-high two shots, followed by six different Raiders each recording one shot in the contest. Senior goalkeeper Bri Nugent recorded four saves in the outing

Under third-year head coach Daniel Milton, the Raiders appeared in their third straight conference postseason, advancing to their first ever GNAC Championship game, while achieving the best conference record the program has ever recorded.

MEN’S SOCCER

GNAC FINALS

SAINT JOE’S (Conn.) 3, RIVIER 2

The No. 2 seed Rivier men’s soccer team was defeated by the No. 1 seed, Saint Joseph (Conn.), 3-2, in the GNAC Championship Saturday afternoon at the USJ Soccer Field on a goal with 1:32 left.

With the result, the Raiders end their 2025 campaign with a record of 9-5-7 (8-2-2 GNAC), while the Blue Jays improved to 13-4-2.

Rivier broke open the scoring just 1:31 into the game as first-year David Pereira of Nashua found the back of the net. Saint Joseph (Conn.) recorded two shots after the Raiders’ goal, with their second being the equalizers in the 16th minute.

The Blue Jays recorded their second tally in the 23rd minute to take a 2-1 lead, but 12 minutes later, it was Rivier that scored the equalizer with first-year Vincent Arsenov firing a shot home.

Saint Joseph (Conn.) recorded one final shot with 40 seconds remaining, but were unable to convert leaving the match level at two heading in halftime.

Pereira led the offense with two shots, followed by four Raiders who each tallied one. Junior goalkeeper Logan Clough stopped three shots in net

Under second-year head coach Jon Cross, the Raiders returned to postseason play for their second straight season. They entered Saturday’s contest with a 12-game unbeaten streak and today’s GNAC Championship marked the program’s first time appearing in a championship game since 1997. Their eight conference victories set a new program record, breaking a mark that was in place since the 2000 season.