LASERS DEFEAT UMASS DARTMOUTH

Newton, Mass.- The Lasell College men's soccer team pulled out an exciting 3-1 win over UMass, Dartmouth this afternoon on Taylor Field. 

It was a bumpy first half for both teams, with less than desirable weather and field conditions.  The teams played fairly even, each side finding chances to break open the game, but the teams remained scoreless for the first 34 minutes.

At 34:04, a Lasell foul gave way to a direct kick by Andrew Krikorian (Worcester, MA) from the top of the eighteen, which was headed into the Lasers goal by Alex Bettencourt (New Bedford, MA).  The Corsairs enjoyed a 1-0 lead for the next ten minutes before the Lasers struck back.

Lasell's Tholemson Francois (Stoughton, MA) aimed a pass straight in front of the Corsairs net which was tipped by Joshua Martinez (Milton, MA) to Kyle Cronin (Weymouth, MA), who finished the play, and tied the game at one, with just 26 seconds left in the half.

Not even 20 seconds into the second half, Cronin was fouled in the Corsairs penalty box, which consequently gave the Lasers the game winning goal.  Francois took the penalty shot at 45:20, resulting in a 2-1 lead for Lasell.

The Lasers attacked again just two minutes later when Cronin sent a perfect through ball pass to Shane Vinnicombe (Pomfret Center, CT) on a breakaway to add to the Lasers edge.

UMass had the chance to add to their score later in the half, producing six shots on goal, including three direct kick opportunities from the top of the box, but they were stifled at every occasion.  The Lasers defensive wall blocked two of those penalty shots, while the Lasers keeper Julian Dutton (Madison, CT) skillfully punched away the third.  Dutton played brilliantly in net, coming up with 9 saves throughout the matchup. 

Lasell's next game is on Saturday, October 25th, on Taylor Field.  The Lasers will face the Wildcats of Johnson and Wales in GNAC competition at 2:30 p.m.