Box Score

Dudley, Mass.- The Nichols men's soccer team drew a 1-1 tie with Gordon in both team's Commonwealth Coast Conference opener. The Fighting Scots got on the board early in the game with an easy goal when Bison keeper, sophomore Clayton Johnson (Williamstown, Mass.), slipped in front of the net. Senior Scott Thomas Gruner (Torrington, Conn.) scored the equalizer 4:15 into the second half for Nichols. The Bison move to 2-1-1 on the year while Gordon is now 1-2-1.

Senior Nick Hanlon (Ashburnham, Mass.) gave the Fighting Scots a 1-0 lead just 1:55 into the game with what would have likely been a routine stop for Johnson. Despite his slip early in the game, Johnson played a tremendous game in net for Nichols, stopping seven shots along with several break-ups.

Gruner tied the game at 1-1 at the 49:19 mark when he received a thru ball from freshman Ryan Wytrych (Feeding Hills, Mass.) in the box. A Gordon defender tried to make the save but was inside the net when he deflected the ball.

Both teams had their opportunities late in the second half and in the two overtimes, including 3 corner kicks for Nichols, but neither was able to find the back of the net.

Junior Brian Schilling (Goffstown, N.H.) recorded three saves for the Fighting Scots.

Nichols will be back in action this Tuesday, Sept. 11 when it travels to Emerson for a 5:45 p.m. game. Gordon will face the New England College next Saturday, Sept. 15 at 2:30 p.m.