BABSON PARK, Mass.—Senior Adam Villari (Landsdale, Pa.) scored in the 88th minute to help Babson College defeat visiting Eastern Connecticut State University, 2-1, in non-conference men's soccer action on Thursday afternoon at Hartwell-Rogers Field.

Villari also added an assist for the Beavers (1-0-0), who won their season opener for the third time in the last four seasons. Sophomore Noah Parker (Hampden, Mass.) finished with a goal and an assist, while classmate Ted Hilger (Hopkinton, Mass.) and first-year Alex Crompton (Killington, Vt.) each contributed an assist in the win.

First-year Griffin Luczek (Lee, N.H.) scored for the Warriors (0-1-0), while sophomore Justin Grant (Cromwell, Conn.) chipped in with an assist.

After creating a number of early opportunities, Babson broke through with the opening goal of the game in the 23rd minute. Hilger played a ball over the top of the Eastern Connecticut defense for Parker, who took a touch and slotted a shot inside the right post for his third career marker.

The Warriors, who were forced to defend for much of the opening stanza, pulled even just over two minutes into the second half. Beavers' junior goalkeeper James Takami (Kenmore, Wash.) made the initial save on a shot by Grant, but Luczek pounced on the rebound iat the far post and converted the finish to make it 1-1.

Eastern Connecticut outshot the Green and White 10-4 in the second half, but the hosts took the lead for good with just 2:10 left in regulation. Crompton collected a pass along the right sideline and played a long centering pass behind the defense for a streaking Villari, who gained possession and tucked his shot inside the left post for the game winner.

Takami, who was making his first collegiate start, finished with three saves, while Warriors' sophomore Ryan Murphy (Cromwell, Conn.) made a pair of saves, both in the first half.

Eastern Connecticut finished with a 14-13 edge in shots. Both teams attempted five corner kicks in the match.

Babson returns to action on Saturday when it hosts Rutgers-Newark at 1 p.m., while the Warriors visit Ramapo on Sunday at 2 p.m.

GAME NOTES
•    The Beavers are now 5-4-0 all-time against Eastern Connecticut and have won four of the last five matches in the series.
•    Babson is 13-5-2 in its last 20 home matches dating back to October 5, 2014.
•    The Beavers have won 23 of their last 24 games when scoring two or more goals.