LANCASTER, Pa. – A first-year connection led the Franklin & Marshall men's soccer team to its first victory of the 2026 season. Tied at one-all late in regulation, Ben Garland found the perfect time for his first collegiate goal as his tally with 11:21 remaining in regulation ultimately led to a 2-1 victory against Vassar.
Challenging themselves early and often, F&M defeated last year's Liberty League runner-up in the first-ever meeting between the two programs. On a day when the Diplomats started five first-years, it was a substitute rookie that made headlines. Garland checked in as a sub during the 68th minute of action and had his first goal waiting for him on the far post during the 79th minute of play. Another first-year who did get a start on Sunday, Ellis Boyle, was the one who found Garland on a crossing pass into the box as he too recorded his first collegiate point.
Despite needing the late goal to pull out the victory, Franklin & Marshal never trailed on the day as Nico Palacios opened the scoring with a perfect arcing shot over the Vassar keeper during the 16th minute of action. Wes Wise played the perfect pass to Palacios and was credited with his first assist of the season. Vassar's lone goal came with just over three minutes before the half as a throw deep in Diplomats' territory found the head of Tristan Hevener to level the game at one.
A strong defensive effort from the Diplomats was anchored by Diego Moreno who stopped six of the seven shots he faced to pick up the win. Vassar goalie Jacob Raphan made two saves as Franklin & Marshall finished the contest with 10 total shot attempts.
After playing exclusively at home during the first week of the season, men's soccer will head out on the road for the first time this season as the team travels to York (Pa.) on Wednesday, September 9. That matchup with the Spartans is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start.
