Men's Soccer Drops 1-0 Decision to RIC

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Rhode Island College posted a 1-0 shutout victory over host Bridgewater State University in non-conference men's soccer action on Wednesday night at Swenson Field.

The visiting Anchormen improve to 4-3 on the season, while the Bears slip to 2-3.

Sophomore midfielder Devin Lambert (Albion, R.I.) tallied the game's only goal in the 74th minute off an assist from junior forward Kevin Arboleda (Pawtucket, R.I.).  Arboleda slipped a pass from the top of the 18 to a streaking Lambert on the right side. Lambert deposited a shot inside the left post.

The Bears had a glorious chance to tie the game in the 85th minute off a corner kick, but junior forward Conor Murtagh's (Walpole, Mass.) header attempt was denied by RIC freshman goaltender Adam Ghazal (Pawtucket, R.I.).  Ghazal made a terrific diving stop on the shot which was labeled for the left side of the net.

Shots were even at 13 apiece and both teams attempted four corner kicks.  There were also 34 fouls called in a very chippy game and six cards were issued.

Ghazal turned aside five shots to record his first solo shutout of the 2014 campaign.  BSU sophomore netminder Colin Jepson (Sandwich, Mass.) made one save in the setback.

Both teams open conference play on Saturday at noon.  The Bears host Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) rival Framingham State University, while the Anchormen travel to Little East Conference foe UMass Dartmouth.