EthanDUDLEY, Mass. (10/4/2025) – Behind a second-half strike from junior Ethan Knowles and a strong defensive effort, the Nichols College men's soccer team notched a hard-fought 1-0 win over Curry College on Saturday afternoon at the Nichols Soccer Field. 

After back-to-back wins, Nichols improves to 3-5-3 (1-2-1 CNE), while Curry College drops to 3-7-2 (0-4 CNE). 

Intensity was high from the opening whistle, with both teams searching for their first conference win of the season. The opening 45 minutes were evenly matched, with both sides generating chances but neither able to find the breakthrough. Nichols College's Shea Ullo, Kamal Saad, and Aysaiah Chavez came up clutch for the Bison in the first half, stopping multiple attacks before they became dangerous. 

Nichols began the second half on the front foot, creating multiple chances in the opening 15 minutes. The breakthrough finally came in the 64th minute, when Braydon Richardson sent the ball across the box to Ethan Knowles, who calmly slotted it home at the back post to put the Bison ahead 1-0. 

The Colonels increased their pressure after the goal, taking seven shots at Nichols' goalkeeper Derek Axon, but Axon was up to the challenge. 

The match boiled over late when Curry's Ray Weinstein received his second yellow card in the 86th minute, resulting in a red card and forcing the Colonels to play down a man for the final four minutes. Nichols managed the closing moments smartly, playing keep-away and absorbing pressure until the final whistle. 

Axon turned in another impressive performance in net, making four crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet. 

Nichols men's soccer heads to Wenham, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, October 8th, where they will face Gordon College in a Conference of New England matchup. Kickoff is set for 7 PM.