Men’s Soccer Fends Off Gordon Behind Sam Riley’s Winner

WENHAM, Mass. (October 8, 2022) – The Western New England men's soccer team picked up their third conference win of the season, playing extraordinary defense behind GK Roger Leland in a 1-0 win over the Fighting Scots on Saturday night. 

Records:

• Western New England: 6-4-3, 3-1 CCC
• Gordon College: 2-7-3, 1-3 CCC

How it Happened:

The Golden Bears got off to a good start in the contest, controlling much of the pace of play. Sam Riley would take the first shot of the game, though Gordon GK Gunner Lucuk would be equal to the task. Western New England would get the first two shots of the game as Ian Alves would sail a shot wide in the four minutes of the game. Roger Leland came away with his first save of the game in the 12^th minute after Adrian Chiang was denied. The Golden Bears took care of much of the play in the first 45 minutes of play, though both goalkeepers kept their teams in the game. Western New England outshot Gordon 9-6 in the first 45 minutes of play, though Gordon came away with the edge in corner kicks, 2-1. Lucuk made five saves for Gordon in the opening frame while Roger Leland came away with three saves on three Fighting Scots shots on goal in the first half. 

In the second half, Western New England would put the ball deep into Gordon's defensive territory and would be rewarded with an early corner kick though WNE would be unsuccessful in taking advantage of the kick. Western New England came away with their second corner kick of the half in the 53^rd minute and did not make a mistake on the chance. Senior Sean O'Neill took the kick that sailed perfectly into the middle of the box and found the head of first year Sam Riley who dashed forward and slotted the ball into the back of the net to give the Golden Bears the 1-0 lead. Riley picks up his first career point and first career goal for Western New England. 

Gordon would attempt to pick up the pace as Cole Levis, Ian Shpherd and Noah Martin would all get opportunities towards goal, though would be denied, shooting wide or high of the net to stay off the scoreboard. Gordon's best chance of the second half came in the 86^th minute in crunch time when Noah Martin took a shot on goal, though Roger Leland would stone Martin;s chance, preserving the victory for the Golden Bears. Western New England would fend off the Fighting Scots, taking a crucial CCC win by a final score of 1-0. 

Inside the Box: 

• Sam Riley's tally in the 53^rd minute proved to be the difference, as Western New England would win the contest 1-0. Riley picked up his first career goal, which proved to be the winner. 
• Sean O'Neill grabbed his fourth assist of the season on the eventual game winning tally. O'Neill's four assisted leads the team, one ahead of his brother Shay. 
• GK Roger Leland made four crucial saves for the Golden Bears in the win. 
• The Fighting Scots outshot WNE 16-15 in the contest and 10-6 in the second half. Gordon was awarded with five corner kicks, while WNE attempted four.  

Up Next on the Schedule:

• Western New England continues CCC play on Wednesday, October 12 at 3:00 pm when they host Salve Regina University from Suprenant Field. 
• Gordon College hosts the University of New England on Tuesday, October 11 at 7:00 pm in CCC action.