SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Sept. 20, 2005 - Springfield College junior forward Matt Aucoin (Canton, Mass.) scored the game-winning goal in the 72nd minute of play (71:31) as the Pride defeated non-conference foe, the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) tonight (Sept. 20) in men’soccer action, for SC's first victory of the season.

SC (1-5) wasted no time scoring as sophomore forward Collin Cook (Wilbraham, Mass.) tallied the match's first goal, and his first score of the season just 57 seconds into the contest. Cook’s goal, assisted by senior midfielder Justin Pepoli (Ashburnham, Mass.), was the only goal of the half as the Pride led 1-0 at the break.

In the second half, MCLA (1-5-1) tied the match at one goal apiece on an unassisted score by Raul Escobar with 32 minutes to play. With just 18:29 left in the match, Aucoin put the Pride ahead for good (2-1) with an unassisted goal, his second of the season.

Pride goalkeeper B.J. Sturdivant (Bear, Del.) recorded five saves, earning his first victory of the season, while Trailblazers goalkeeper Zach Natale tallied eight saves.

SC hosts Babson College in a New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) contest on Friday, Sept. 23, at 6:30 pm.

published: 09/20/2005