Lane's second-half pair propels Lyons to second straight conference victory with 2-0 shutout against Springfield

September 30, 2006

NORTON, MA- Sophomore forward Dan Lane (Dedham, MA/Worcester Academy) delivered his third multiple-goal game of the season and third game-winner of the fall, and Wheaton College blanked Springfield College, 2-0 with a pair of second-half goals in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) men's soccer action during Wheaton's Homecoming weekend at Keefe Field.

Capturing their second straight conference win while remaining unbeaten in their last four games, the Lyons improve to 6-3-2 overall and 2-1 in the NEWMAC. The Pride falls to 2-7-2 on the season and 0-3 in league play.

Lane's two second-half tallies came during a 9:06 span, raising his season goal total to eight and career mark to 21, which moves him into Wheaton's top 10 for goals in a career. Sophomore Jeff Shea (Canton, MA/Canton) earned the game's first assist at 48:34, while junior Dan Chong (Miami, FL/Coral Reef) was credited an assist on Lane's second goal at 57:40.

The two teams played through a scoreless first half, thanks in part to a timely save from a Springfield defender midway through the stanza. With the Pride goalie pulled off his line, Wheaton senior Dennis Durao (West Hartford, CT/Northwest Catholic) drove his shot toward the middle of the net, but Pride sophomore back Dan Cotter (Stoughton, MA/Stoughton) was in position to head the ball off the line. Springfield's best chance came with four minutes remaining in the half, as junior Henry Ruggiero (Stow, MA/Saint John's) watched his header attempt roll just to the left of the goal frame.

Following a halftime that was highlighted by a dedication ceremony recognizing improvements to Keefe Field, Lane wasted little time giving the home team the advantage for good. Shea set up the scoring play by dumping the ball into Lane on the lower right corner of the box, where Lane struck his ball into the upper left netting for a 1-0 edge. Just over nine minutes later, Lane received a short cross from Chong, pushed past a Springfield defender and fired his shot into the goal. The Pride nearly cut its deficit in half shortly after the Lane goal, but freshman Adrian Schippers' (Ashby, MA/Cushing Academy) attempt ricocheted off the crossbar.

Wheaton senior goalkeeper Matt Pachniuk (Newtown, CT/Newtown) posted five saves to pick up his fifth win and second shutout of the season, leaving him just one shy of matching those program's career records in each category. Springfield junior goalie Ryan Driscoll (Wilmington, DE/Saint Mark's) had three stops in the loss. The Pride held a slim 18-15 edge in shots, while the Lyons had a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Next up for the Lyons is a non-conference road game in Middletown, Connecticut, this Wednesday when Wheaton takes on Wesleyan University at 4:30 p.m.

SCORING: 1st 2nd Final
Springfield (2-7-2, 0-3) 0 0 0
Wheaton (6-3-2, 2-1) 0 2 2

2nd Half: WC- Dan Lane (Jeff Shea) 48:34, Lane (Dan Chong) 57:40

Goalie Saves: WC- Matt Pachniuk 5; SC- Ryan Driscoll 3

Shots: WC- 15; SC- 18

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