Rindge, N.H. - Franklin Pierce University
(8-1-1, 7-0) remained perfect in Conference play with a commanding
5-1 victory over Stonehill College (2-7-1, 0-6) in
Northeast-10 men's soccer action Saturday night.
Franklin Pierce controlled the match from beginning to end,
running its winning streak to seven matches, while remaining
perfect in Northeast-10 play, and extended its unbeaten run to nine
matches. The Ravens have now won nine-straight NE-10 regular season
matches dating back to late last season. Franklin Pierce out-shot
Stonehill 25-3 for the match, including 16-3 in the second half,
and posted a 16-2 advantage in shots on target.
Franklin Pierce started the scoring early with quick goal from
Cole Larned, assisted by Michael
Vitulano. Raven Johan Torstensson
scored midway through the half to give Franklin Pierce a 2-0
halftime lead.
Stonehill cut its deficit in half and looked to make a game of
it in the 69th minute. Sophomore David
Pohl (Weymouth, Mass) stripped the ball off a
defender's boot and broke in one-on-one with Thorpe, depositing a
low shot from 14-yards out in the left channel into the right
corner of the net. Pohl's team leading third goal marked the
Skyhawks first against Franklin Pierce since a 2-1 double-overtime
loss on October 21, 2002 - snapping a streak of 467:12 scoreless
minutes since that second half goal. The goal was the first
Franklin Pierce has conceded in four matches - snapping a streak of
392:03 scoreless minutes for Thorpe and the Ravens.
Franklin Piece proved to be too much for the young Stonehill
team. Late in the second half David
Clifton scored three goals and Mattijs
Eppinga added two assists as the Ravens opened
up a four goal lead. In defeat, goaltender Brian
Guerrini (Glastonbury, Conn) collected 11 saves; helping
the Skyhawks to stay in the game until late.
Stonehill will continue Northeast-10 competition next
week. The Skyhawks will return home to take on
Bryant College (7-4, 4-4) Tuesday at 4:00pm.