SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Western New England College men's soccer team moved into first place in The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) with a 3-1 victory over visiting New England College at chilly Suprenant Field Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 22).

The Golden Bears, ranked 22nd nationally and third in the region, have a 12-1-4 overall record and 8-0-3 mark in the conference.

Senior forward Dale Totman (Conway, MA) tallied his team high 10th goal in the 35th minute to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Junior midfielder Ryan Nugent (Bath, PA) extended the margin to 2-0 just 3:39 later with an assist from senior forward Brian Dill (Portland, CT).

Western New England College took a 3-0 advantage only 45 seconds into the second half on a goal by junior forward Jason Sabia (Poughkeepsie, NY). It was his ninth goal of the season. Senior forward Dan Hare (Staatsburg, NY) gained the assist.

The Pilgrims avoided the shutout when junior midfielder Peter Koskores (North Andover, MA) fired home a penalty kick in the 68th minute.

WNEC junior goalkeeper Kyle Bak (Cumberland, RI) finished with seven saves in raising his record to 4-1-2.

Sophomore keeper Jim Mayo (Merrimack, NH) started for the visitors and stopped six shots in 63 minutes, 40 seconds. Sophomore Pat Harkin (Scituate, RI) played the rest of the match and made two saves.

Western New England College out-shot NEC by a 19-12 margin and held an 8-2 edge in corner kicks.

There are two games remaining in the conference for the Golden Bears who have 27 points. Roger Williams (8-1-2 TCCC, 26 points) moved into second with a win over Regis. Curry (8-2-1, 25 points) lost 1-0 in overtime at Colby-Sawyer to fall to third.

New England College (9-4-3) is fourth in the conference with a 7-2-2 mark.