Waterville, Maine - Colby's first NESCAC conference matchup of the 2025 season kicked off against rivals Bowdoin in a tense game at home. Although the scoreline didn't go their way, Colby looked worthy against a strong opponent, sparking optimism for the upcoming season. The 2-1 loss takes the Mules to 1-1 overall, and 0-1 in NESCAC conference play.

The game jumped out to a flying start, as twenty seconds in, Jude Gussen found himself one on one with the outstretched Bowdoin goalkeeper, who denied the freshman's low shot. The quick first chance was a wake-up call to the visitors, as they quickly shifted the momentum and controlled the ball inside Colby's half. The opener came minutes later as Bowdoin capitalized on a corner kick, proving to be deadly from set pieces as their second goal resulted from a free kick not long later. The Mules' first real chance came on a brilliantly worked fast break that saw Alexander Vittal barely miss a cross fired across the face of goal. Colby's newfound confidence led to a few dangerous chances, and with seven minutes to go in the half, individual brilliance from Santi Canencio Moreno won the Mules a penalty, where he confidently buried it in the bottom left corner. Colby trailed 2-1 heading into the half.

Coming out of the break, the game continued to ebb and flow as both sides aimed to control the ball. The Mules looked calmer in possession, combining in the midfield which gave them more opportunities going forward. Although their only registered shots came with less than ten minutes to go, it felt as though Colby had been piling on the pressure all half. Shots from Gussen and Moreno late in the half almost saw the Mules draw level, but ultimately their scoreless second half came to a close.

Colby is back in action Tuesday, September 9th, at 7:30 pm, as they host the University of Southern Maine in a non-conference matchup.