SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The University of Hartford men's soccer team clinched a spot in the Conference of New England (CNE) Playoffs for a third consecutive year finishing as the #6 seed. The Hawks will travel to Western New England University on Saturday looking to redeem the playoff loss from a season ago to the Golden Bears. 

No. 6 University of Hartford Hawks (7-7-2 Overall, 5-4-1 CNE)
No. 3 Western New England Unviersity Golden Bears (7-5-5 Overall, 6-2-2 CNE)

Game Headlines:

• The Golden Bears host the Hawks in a reverse of last year's playoff game which saw WNE upset Hartford 2-1 in extra time on November 1st of 2025.
• For the Hawks this is a match up that has been tough as the Golden Bears hold a 4-1 record and a 2-0 advantage in Springfield.
• Hartford are looking to win their first playoff game since the 2019 season, while Western New England University has made the CNE Semifinals in each of the last four seasons. 

Hartford Headlines:

• Hartford's offense has only generated 1.38 goals per game this season, outscoring opponents 22-19 over the course of the 16 game season. The Hawks are most dangerous on set pieces getting numerous goals from corners, free kicks and throw ins in 2026. Junior Jared Noble (Nesconset, N.Y.) led the team in points during the regular season with three goals and four assists to his name. Noble also led the team with a pair of game-winners. Junior Brayden Tahiliani (Toronto, Ontario) finished second with a team-high four goals from the center back position. Tahiliani is the main threat from corner kicks as the 6'5 defender has caused opponents problems all season. Sophomore Eddie Hageman (Colchester, Conn.) is another Hawk to watch up front as he finished with two goals an assist in conference play. Senior Ron Palillo (Stony Brook, N.Y.) and junior Kyle Theobald (Sandyston, N.J.) also pose threats coming forward from midfield positions as the pair each contributed two goals and an assist in CNE play. 
• Defense has been the Hawks calling card all season as Hartford only allowed 10 goals in CNE play in 2026 ranking 2nd only behind Suffolk University. Junior Cristian Vitti (Stamford, Conn.) has had a breakout season making 57 saves with five shutouts. Vitti was named CNE Defensive Player of the Week twice in 2026 and holds a goals against average of 1.21 on the year. Tahiliani,  the team captain leads the back line with freshman Evan Stone (Wallingford, Conn.) joining him in the center. Junior Adam Eley (Newington, Conn.) and junior Jaiden Daigle (Rocky Hill, Conn.) round out the back line as the outside backs have both had a pair of assists in 2026. 
• Head coach Mike Kulas will lean on his depth as 18 Hawks have played over 200 minutes in CNE play. Hartford held a 4-5 record on the road in 2026. 

Western New England Highlights:

• The Golden Bears use a high power attack to be successful, scoring a conference-high 24 goals in the 10 CNE competitions in 2026. Tyler Lewis led the offense scoring five goals to go wth four assists in 2026. Ben Riley followed with 12 points on five goals and two helpers. Overall 14 Golden Bears had a goal this season in conference play. 
• Western New England University allowed 22 goals throughout there 17 games in 2026, while allowing 12 conference goals. Brendan L'Italien is the lead keeper for the Golden Bears making 16 starts. L'Italien made 38 saves while finishing with six shutouts and a 1.26 goals allowed average. Jacob Dounetos is a key defender for WNE as the junior finished with 1423 minutes this season. 
• Devin O'Neill has won the CNE Championship two times over his career in his 12th season. 

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE OF NEW ENGLAND:
Originally founded in 1984 as the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC), and reconstituted as the Conference of New England (CNE) in 2024, the CNE is an NCAA Division III athletic conference composed of 11 full member and five associate member institutions throughout the New England region. Its membership aims to provide student-athletes with a positive experience in their pursuit of excellence through high academic standards, quality competition, and a meaningful student life. The Conference administers championships in 21 intercollegiate sports.

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