Box Score

DUDLEY, Mass. – First-year Donny Whittle (Ellington, Conn.) struck in the 88th minute to deliver his second consecutive game-winning tally, and fifth of the season, as host Nichols defeated Plymouth State, 1-0, in a non-conference men's soccer match on Monday afternoon. With the win, the Bison improve to 8-5 as the Panthers fall to 5-8.

With 2:06 remaining in regulation, Whittle knocked home a deflection off a defender for his team-leading ninth goal of the season to extend his goal scoring streak to five matches. 

Plymouth State had the best opportunity of the first half in the 20th minute as freshman Jens Bonnevier (Finspang, Sweden) looked to bury a header. Nichols outshot the visitors 12-5 in the scoreless first half while the Panthers took the only corner kick of the contest.
 
The Bison had a pair of chances beginning in the 74th minute as Nichols senior Scott Coderre (Thompson, Conn.) took a shot that sailed just above the crossbar. Just over a minute later sophomore Michael Perry (Plainville, Mass.) sent a nifty heel pass to junior Fred Willard (Webster, Mass.) for a shot that went wide.  Nichols netminder Francesco Chiaravalloti (Torrington, Conn.) tipped a shot by senior Parker Spear (Sodus Point, N.Y.) in the 85th minute to preserve the shutout. Three minutes later Whittle netted what proved to be the game-winner.
 
Chiaravalloti picked up his first career victory and solo shutout in a five save effort. Freshman Sam Whipple (Kingston, N.H.) stopped five shots in his second decision of the year.
 
Nichols ventures to Anna Maria for a non-conference match at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Plymouth State travels to Western Connecticut on Sunday for a Little East matchup at noon.