WASHINGTON – The 2025 men's soccer season began for Gallaudet University here Friday afternoon at Hotchkiss Field against Regent University on the first day of the Tristan Torbett Kick-Off Classic featuring three teams.

The Bison team played tremendously in their season debut as both teams were neck-and-neck in the first half as they went into halftime tied at 1-1. The Royals scored two quick goals in the second half and won, 4-1.

Senior midfielder Tristan Torbett (Asheville, N.C.) made his much anticipated return to the pitch after a three-year hiatus. Torbett suffered a stroke in 2023 and dealt with a burn accident in 2024. This was Torbett's first game in a Bison uniform since the 2022 season. 

Torbett scored Gallaudet's first goal of the season when he lined up to take a penalty kick against Regent goalie Connor Henriques (three saves) in the 24th minute Torbett's shot was saved but he followed his shot and knocked in the rebound to tie the game at 1-1.
 
In the second half, Regent (1-0) jumped early over the Bison (0-1) by two quick goals in the 47th and 48th minutes. The Royals' second goal of the game was scored by Graylan Gill, who scored the game's first goal in the 15th minute.

First-year goalie John McCabe (Norwalk, Conn.) played strong with 11 saves in the second half despite allowing three goals in the second half. McCabe finished with 14 saves in the game.

Senior midfielder Matteo Giansanti (Rome, Italy) joined Torbett to lead the team with two shots on goals. One of Giansanti's shots came on a penalty kick opportunity in the second half (62nd minute) but was saved by Henriques.

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Gallaudet will regroup for a day before playing the final day of the Tristan Torbett Kick-Off Classic vs. Mid-Atlantic Christian University on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 4 p.m at Hotchkiss Field. Regent and Mid-Atlantic Christian will play tomorrow at 11 a.m. in the second game of the tournament.