Waterville, Maine - The 2024 season has officially kicked off for the Colby Men's Soccer team as the Mules traveled four miles down the road to take on cross-town rivals Thomas College. The non-conference, matchup started with a scare but late goals gave Colby a 2-1 victory, starting their season on a positive note. Tuesday night's game was also the inaugural outing for new head coach Greg Cumpstone, the former Wesleyan coach who led the Cardinals to several NESCAC championship appearances and a top-10 national ranking in 2022.

A night for new beginnings started in typical Hollywood fashion as Colby conceded against the run of play. Down 1-0 in the first twenty minutes wasn't how Cumpstone envisioned his first game to go but the Mules dominated possession and outnumbered their opposition on shots on goal. Although Colby couldn't get anything to find the back of the net, their momentum heading into the half was promising.

Coming out of the break the tide continued to favor Colby as they bombarded the Terrier goal with ten shots–forcing four saves. Although the Mules couldn't find a breakthrough, first-year substitute Zane Matraji offered a second-half spark. Matraji had a shot saved with around a quarter of an hour to go but minutes later, he was rewarded with a goal in his debut as Charlie Scott found the first-year for the leveler. Scott continued orchestrating the offense as he provided another assist to Mario Simoes for the eventual game-winning goal. Two goals in four minutes sealed not only the first win of the season but under the tenure of Cumpstone.

The Mules' performance against Thomas College showed glimpses of a successful season to come but the real test comes against upcoming NESCAC opposition. Colby's run of away games continues as they travel to NESCAC, in-state rivals Bowdoin this Saturday at 7:00 pm.