Nichols College Athletics

DUDLEY, Mass. (9/23/2026) - Freshman forward Nick Reilly scored with 1:37 remaining in regulation to lift Nichols College men's soccer to a thrilling 1-0 victory over Fitchburg State University on Wednesday afternoon at Nichols Soccer Field.

The Bison improve to 5-3-0 on the season and 1-1-0 in Conference of New England (CNE) play, while the Falcons fall to 2-3-1 overall and 1-0-1 in conference action.

After nearly 90 minutes of scoreless action, Nichols finally broke through in the 89th minute. Sophomore forward Ayden Gardner delivered the assist to Reilly, who found the back of the net at 88:23 to give the Bison the 1-0 advantage. The goal marked Reilly's third of the season.

Reilly now sits at the number ten spot for goals this season in the CNE, tied with teammate Ethan Knowles.

Nichols controlled the offensive tempo throughout the afternoon, finishing with a commanding 29-10 advantage in shots and a 9-3 edge in shots on goal. The Bison also earned 10 corner kicks compared to just one for Fitchburg State.

The Bison generated 11 shots in the opening half, including two attempts from Reilly and three from Avery Morse. Nichols goalkeeper Chase Henderson made two saves in the opening 45 minutes as the two teams entered halftime scoreless.

Nichols continued to apply pressure after the break. Morse forced a save from Fitchburg State goalkeeper Timothy Singleton in the 55th minute, while Gardner put a shot on target in the 60th minute. The Bison continued to test the Falcons' defense with chances, but Singleton kept the match scoreless with several key saves.

Reilly returned to the attack late in the second half, putting two shots on target in the final seven minutes before finally breaking through. Singleton stopped Reilly's attempts at 83:15 and 85:56, but the freshman found his opportunity just moments later.

With the clock approaching the final minute, Gardner connected with Reilly, who scored at 88:23 to give Nichols its first and only goal of the afternoon. Fitchburg State managed one final shot following the goal, but Henderson and the Bison defense held firm to secure the shutout victory.

Reilly led the Bison with six shots and three shots on goal, while Morse added five shots and two shots on target. Evan Giannini also registered five shots, and Gardner finished with three shots and one shot on goal to go along with his game-winning assist.

Henderson recorded three saves to earn his first shutout of the season, while Singleton made eight saves for Fitchburg State.

Nichols returns to action Saturday, September 26th, when the Bison travel to face Roger Williams University in CNE action.