Dale Totman nets third game-winning goal of season

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Western New England College men's soccer team ran its winning streak to six matches with an exciting 2-1 victory over visiting Gordon under perfect conditions Saturday afternoon (Oct. 4) at Suprenant Field.

The Golden Bears, who are unbeaten in their last 10 starts, are now 8-1-2 overall and 5-0-1 in The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC).

Senior forward Dale Totman (Conway, MA) scored what proved to be the game-winner in the 71st minute.

WNEC took a 1-0 lead when junior midfielder Justin Martins (Ludlow, MA) tallied his fourth goal of the year in the 19th minute with an assist from senior forward Dan Hare (Staatsburg, NY).

The spirited match remained close until Totman broke through with his seventh goal of the season with 19:05 remaining in the contest.

The Fighting Scots (4-4-1, 2-2-1 TCCC) quickly bounced back when junior midfielder Joel Spruane (Ledyard, CT) scored an unassisted goal (his first of the season) just 53 seconds later.

Western New England College held the visitors in check down the stretch with senior defender Kevin Zimbal (Schenectady, NY) making two nice clears in the final three minutes.

Junior goalkeeper Dan Ruscigno (Wappingers Falls, NY) compiled five saves to improve his record to 7-0-1.

Senior Brian Schilling (Goffstown, NH) had a nice effort for Gordon finishing with 11 saves.

The Golden Bears held a 17-8 advantage in shots and 10-2 edge in corner kicks.

Western New England College is tied for fifth with Norwich in the weekly National Soccer Coaches Association of Anmerica (NSCAA) Division III New England poll.

WNEC's busy weekend continues Sunday (Oct. 5) with an exhibition match against the prestigious Winstars Soccer Academy of Ontario, Canada beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Suprenant Field.

The Golden Bears open a four-game conference road trip at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 8) against Colby-Sawyer in New London, New Hampshire.