NEWTON, Mass. (9/1/17) – The Lasell men's soccer team dropped its season opener to Springfield College 9-1 Friday afternoon at Taylor Field.

Sophomore Jackson Burhans (Berlin, N.Y.) kept Springfield at bay with an opening three stops, before the visitors struck nine minutes in. Burhans recorded 16 saves in the deficit, two away from his career high, and drops to 0-1 this season despite a tremendous effort.

The Lasers contested with Springfield in the opening stanza, as senior Danny Murphy (Old Saybrook, Conn.) opened the scoring on a free kick outside the 18-yard-box, for the first goal of the Pride's campaign.

At 24:55, junior keeper Stewart Frank (Pittsford, N.Y.) sent a long ball into their offensive third, catching the Lasell defensive off guard. Junior Christian Schneider (Douglas, Mass.) sped up the left flank, and placed the ball in lower left corner for the 2-0 advantage. The Pride extended their lead to 3-0 as Nick Fontana (Marshfield, Mass.) put away a long throw from Cam Powell (Housatonic, Mass.).

With nine minutes left in the first half, newcomer Matt Lasha (Litchfield, N.H.) struck the ball past Stewart's left side for his first goal in a Lasell uniform.Junior Connor Wall (East Hampton, Conn.) recorded his first assist of the season on the play, bringing the Lasers within two, 2-1. 

The Pride rode momentum throughout the second half, adding six goals to their total for the 9-1 score. Springfield saw goals from Curtis Bolduc (South Windsor, Conn.) (2), Brad Deckel (Lansdale, Pa.) (3), and Tim Wood (Derry, N.H.).

Stewart starts his junior campaign with a 1-0 record and a single-save effort.  Marvyne Dorchin (Belmont, Mass.) and Dylan Duzbasan (Palatine, Ill). split second-half relief for the Pride.

Both teams return to their home turf on Wednesday, September 6 at 4:00 p.m. The Lasers host the Colonels of Curry College, while the Pride welcome the Fighting Scots of Gordon College.