NEWTON, Mass. (9/19/15) – The Lasell College men's soccer team blanked Suffolk University 2-0 in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) matchup on Saturday afternoon at Taylor Field. The Lasers move to 1-4 overall and even out in GNAC play at 1-1, while the Rams sink to 0-6-1 this year and 0-1-1 in the GNAC.
Senior Conor Fitzgerald (Marshfield, Mass.) netted the game-opener and his first of the season 4:30 into the contest, as he capitalized on an early through ball through the left side. Suffolk was awarded with a free kick in the 31st minute, and saw their first scoring opportunity as freshman Jordan Casey (East Hampton, Conn.) lined up for the shot. Casey rocketed a promising shot on frame, but was denied the point as Lasell senior keeper Miguel Colmenares (Caracas, Venezuela) made an incredible diving save to keep the score 0-0.
With just 27 seconds left before the halftime horn, senior Taylor Witherbee (East Bridgewater, Mass.) set up freshman Kenan Omerbasic (Windsor Locks, Conn.) for a 2v1 situation against the Ram's defense, where Omerbasic released a perfectly place ball to the lower left side of the net.
The Lasers came out of the halftime break with momentum on their side, and put immediate pressure on the visitors' defense. Senior Nick Liquori (Westfield, Mass.) ran onto a pass played into space and cut inside to fire a shot on net, but Rams' senior goalkeeper Nicholas Chamma (Rio da Janerio, Brazil) was there to make the catch.
Refusing to give in, the Rams continued the offensive drive in the 79th minute, where Casey blasted a shot on frame that was tipped out by Colmenares. The Lasers held composure for the remainder of the conference battle, and came out on top with a final score of 2-0.
The Lasers dominated a 16-13 advantage in shots, while the Rams held an 8-3 margin in corner kicks.
Colmenares records his first shutout of the season with nine saves on the day, and improves his overall record to 1-4, while Chamma falls to 0-4 this year with five stops in the game.
Both teams will look to improve their conference record on Saturday, September 26. The Lasers welcome Emmanuel College for game-time slated for 12:00 p.m., while the Rams host Norwich University at 3:30 p.m.