The University of New Haven men's soccer team kicked off the 2023 season with a 2-1 win in a non-conference match up against in-state rival Bridgeport. Junior Adam Lindstrom (Orbero, Sweden/Grillska Gymnasiet), the captain of the blue and gold, would lead the way with two goals on the night, pushing New Haven to victory. 

Since the 2017 season, the Chargers have faced off for the first game of the season against the Purple Knights of Bridgeport for the past six years. After a 2-3 record favoring Bridgeport, the Chargers evened up the history with a season opening win.

The Chargers were first to find the momentum in the game, finding three back-to-back corners within the first 17 minutes of play. The game would remain played in the midfield until Bridgeport would find their first corner kick of the game but would not capitalize until later in the game. With an evenly matched playing field the Chargers looked to push the offensive, but found themselves behind in the 34^th minute, when Maximillian Kissel would find his first goal of the season for the Purple Knights off a corner.

Down one with a little left in the half to go, the Chargers would look to find the equalizer, but would go into the half still trailing Bridgeport. It would not be until the 50^th minute, when a foul would be drawn in the box and New Haven would find themselves an opportunity to even the score. At the hands of Adam Lindstrom (Orbero, Sweden/Grillska Gymnasiet), a shot to the left side right over the keepers' hands would find its way to the back of the net and set the score even.

With the game tied and plenty of time on the clock, the offenses of both teams pushed to find the go-ahead goal but were both met with adversary from each team's backfield, keeping the score 1-1 until the 72^nd minute. With a scramble in front of Bridgeport's goal mouth the ball would take a deflection, landing in the direction of junior Adam Lindstrom (Orbero, Sweden/Grillska Gymnasiet), who would back heel the ball into the back of the net for his second goal of the night.  

New Haven now with the lead, held their own until the last second, pushing the Chargers past the Purple Knights and gathering their first win on the season.

The Chargers will look to add on another win when they play on Wednesday, September 6^th, when they host the Lions of Molloy for their home-opener. The game is set to take place at 7:00 p.m. and you can catch all the action on the Charger Sports Network on NE10 NOW.