Box Score

BIDDEFORD, Maine - Junior Fred Willard (Webster, Mass.) scored the game's lone goal midway thru the second half as the Nichols Bison earned a 1-0 Commonwealth Coast Conference win over University of New England in a men's soccer match played Saturday afternoon at Barbara J. Hazard Field.
 
Winners of four consecutive matches, the Bison improve to 10-5 overall and 4-2 in conference play. UNE slides to 6-8 overall, 2-4 in CCC action.
 
Although the Bison had several quality scoring chances during a scoreless first frame, they were unable to find the back of the next until the 64th minute. First-year Donny Whittle (Ellington, Conn.) slid a pass from the left corner to an open Willard, who launched a hard shot straight away from 10 yards out that found its way under the crossbar. Whittle increased his point streak to seven matches with the helper.
 
First-year goalkeeper Alex Geas (Somers, Conn.) made the tally stand up, making four saves to record his third shutout for Nichols, which led 15-9 in shots.
 
UNE sophomore Aidan McParland (Brockville, Ontario) finished with six stops, including one on a penalty kick and another to deny a close-range bid by senior Scott Coderre (Thompson, Conn.) in the first half.
 
Both teams play their final CCC regular-season home game this coming week. The Bison host Endicott on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m., and UNE has Wentworth coming to Biddeford Wednesday for a 6:30 p.m. tilt.

Courtesy University of New England Athletics