Boston, MA (September 20, 2025) – A two-goal performance from junior forward John Arruda (Espirito Santo, Brazil) sparked UMass Boston men's soccer (4-2-2, 1-0 LEC) to a 4-1 comeback victory over Rhode Island College (1-1-4, 0-1 LEC) in Saturday's Little East Conference opener from the B.C High JV Field.

The Beacons started strong but found themselves trailing in the 35th minute after Izaiah Karweh's first goal of the season put the Anchormen ahead. Despite holding a 10-6 edge in shots and a 3-2 advantage in corner kicks, UMass Boston entered halftime down 1-0.

The momentum shifted after the break. Sophomore midfielder Felipe De Andrade (Westborough, Mass.) equalized in the 56th minute with a brilliant free kick from the left wing—his third goal of the year. Ten minutes later, the Beacons struck again when Ryan Doherty (Quincy, Mass.) fed Ryan Lima (Minas Gerais, Brazil.) on the right side, who flicked a back-heel pass into the path of Arruda for a composed finish and a 2-1 lead.

Arruda added insurance in the 85th minute, capping a fast break off a cross from Gustavo De Paula (Framingham, Mass.). With just seconds remaining, junior midfielder Nick Braganca (Beverly, Mass.) capitalized on a defensive miscue to net his first goal since 2022, sealing the 4-1 victory in emphatic fashion.

UMass Boston returns to LEC action next Saturday, traveling to Keene, N.H., for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff against Keene State.

—FOR THE TIMES—