Nichols blanks Becker, 4-0
DUDLEY, Mass. – Four different Nichols College student-athletes scored goals to propel them to a 4-0 win over local rival Becker College in non-conference men's soccer play Tuesday afternoon at the Nichols Soccer Field.
The Bison (3-0-1) extended their winning streak to three matches heading into Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) play on Saturday when they take on University of New England (2-0-1) at 3:30 pm. Nichols junior goalkeeper Jeremy Nash (West Springfield, Mass.) recorded seven saves as the Bison outshot the Hawks 28-7 on the afternoon.
The game remained scoreless until the 39th minute when there was a freshmen takeover. Freshman David Melanson (Simsbury, Conn.) sent a cross into the box to another classmate Tyler Brenner (Stuart, Fla.), who finished it off to put the Bison ahead heading into halftime.
Nichols doubled its lead in the 64th minute when sophomore Isaac Alvarenga (Milford, Mass.) fired one from just outside the 18 and into the back of the net. Less than a minute later, senior Scott Palmerino (Southbridge, Mass.) raced down the right side and scored an upper-90 goal to push the Nichols lead to 3-0.
Sophomore Andrew Hess (Westfield, Mass.) capped the scoring in the 83th minute. Melanson sent a free kick towards the box that was redirected by freshman Mike Kelley(Braintree, Mass.) and onto the foot of Hess, who deposited his first collegiate goal.
"The guys played well. We knew they were going to try and pack it in counter-attack, and they did a good job shutting us down in the first half," said Nichols head coach Chris Traina. "We were able to get a lead before the half, and then we were able to open things up a bit in the second half. The guys coming off the bench got it done quickly for us, and it seemed to deflate them a little bit."
Senior Tim MacDonald (Holden, Mass.) recorded 13 saves for the Hawks. Junior Dylan de Haas (Newington, Conn.) registered a team-high two shots.
Becker travels to Bard for a 1 p.m. contest on Sunday.
