Houghton, N.Y. – The Hilbert College Men's Soccer team kicked off its 2025 season in dominant fashion Friday night, earning a 3-0 shutout victory on the road against Houghton University at Burke Field.

The Hawks (1-0-0) capitalized early and often, netting two first-half goals and adding another in the second to secure their first win of the season. Three different players scored for Hilbert, while the defense and goalkeeping held strong to preserve the clean sheet.

Sophomore Kaleb O'Connor opened the scoring and his Hilbert account in the 14th minute, finishing off a well-worked play assisted by Carter Burke. Later in the half, Ryan Michelsen found the back of the net in the 39th minute, after Vincent Nkurunziza played the senior through on goal, who made no mistake with his left foot to give Hilbert a 2-0 advantage at the break.

The Hawks extended their lead in the 60th minute when Hamso Dagane slotted home a third goal, the first of his career, off another assist from Burke, his second of the match.

Despite being outshot 14-7, Hilbert made their chances count, putting four shots on goal and converting three of them. Defensively, the Hawks were sharp, with four saves keeping the Highlanders off the scoreboard. Both teams recorded nine fouls in a physical matchup, and Hilbert was issued one yellow card late in the second half.

Four stops from Daniel Downes to earn his first win and clean sheet of the season, combined with clinical finishing, proved to be the difference as the Hawks earned their first win over Houghton in program history.

Up Next:

The Hawks will look to make it two in a row to start the season when the team heads to McKeesport, Pa on Wednesday, September 3^rd to take on Penn State Greater Allegheny.