DUDLEY, Mass. (9/16/23) – Thanks to a two-goal performance from junior
William Pugliese-Savage, and rock-solid net minding from sophomore
Derek Axon the Nichols College Men's Soccer Team took down the Endicott College Gulls in their Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) opening match on Saturday night on Vendetti Field, with a final score of 2-1.
With the win, Nichols sits at 5-3 (1-0 CCC) the year, while the Gulls drop to 2-3-1 (0-1 CCC) on the season. The win marks Nichols first Men's Soccer victory over Endicott since the 2016 season.
It was Endicott who would break open the scoring in the 21st minute of the match, and they would carry the 1-0 lead into halftime.
Nichols came out of the break firing, controlling much of the match in the second half. With
Tristan Phillips being taken down in the box in the 67th minute, Pugliese-Savage was sent to take a penalty kick for the Bison. Pugliese-Savage made no mistake on the opportunity and struck the ball in the bottom left corner of the net, tying the game up at 1.
Endicott would continue testing Axon, but the goalkeeper was sharp whenever tested. Including an incredible save off a deflected Gull's shot off the right post late in the game.
In the 88th minute, it was Pugliese-Savage who would be the hero for the Bison, as he once again found the back of the net with chip off a feed from teammate
Daniel Halliman. The Gulls would be unable to respond, and the Bison were able to pick up the win in front of a lively Saturday night crowd at Vendetti Field.
The Men's Soccer team is back in action at home as they welcome Vermont State Castleton this coming Tuesday, September 19th at 4 PM. The senior night matchup will honor Nichols graduating seniors;
Cody Bohanan,
Ethan Gosper,
Daniel Halliman,
Miron Jusufi,
Colby Knight, and
Andrew Skowronek.
