SPRINGFIELD, Mass. â€" For the second straight year the Western New England College men’s soccer team opened its season at city rival Springfield College and the result again was the same as the Golden Bears blanked the Pride 1-0 in an opening round match of the Springfield Invitational under the lights at Brock-Affleck Field.

Freshman back Nicholas Zarka (Farmington, CT) scored the game winner with his first collegiate goal at 39:52  of the opening half. Junior midfielder Mike Stewart (Springfield, MA) received the assist. Senior goalkeeper Chris Wilk (Derry, NH) stopped four shots.

Western New England College has won the last three meetings against its cross-town opponent after battling to a 0-0 double overtime tie in 2003.

In pre-determined matches, WNEC will meet Eastern Connecticut State University at 2:30 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 3) in the second round of the tournament.

Albion shutout Eastern Connecticut 1-0 in the first match of the event.