NASHUA, N.H. (Sept. 10) - Dan Smith (Verona, N.J.) and David Johnson (Canterbury, Conn.) registered single goals and Brendan Hamilton (N. Attleboro, Mass.) made five saves as the Nichols College men's soccer team topped host Daniel Webster College, 2-0 in the Eagles season opener Thursday afternoon.

Sophomore Joe Keene sparkled in net for the Eagles (0-1) finishing with 11 saves as a veteran Nichols squad outshot the younger Eagles, 18-8 on the day.

Smith headed home a Mark Capitanio (Mansfield, Mass.) cross pass from 10 yards out 9:12 into the contest and the Bison held a 1-0 lead at the half.

Despite the shots advantage, the Eagle defense played well, holding Nichols scoreless until Johnson redirected an Eric Kelly (Dover Plains, N.Y.) feed from 15 yards out for a 2-0 cushion with 14:36 remaining.

The Eagles best scoring chance came midway through the first half as sophomore Andrew Donovan lifted a short pass across the Bison crease towards classmate Spencer Bernard. But Bernard's header was barely tipped away by Hamilton, preserving the shutout bid.

The Eagles return to action Saturday as they visit Johnson State College in a non-conference matchup beginning at 1:00 p.m. Nichols hosts Gordon College Saturday in its Commonwealth Coast Conference opener at 11:00 a.m.


Story courtesy Daniel Webster Sports Information

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