Lyons win NEWMAC regular season for third straight season thanks to 1-0 final over Clark

October 29, 2006

NORTON, MA- The Wheaton College men's soccer team captured its third straight New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) regular season title and fifth since 2001 on Sunday, as the Lyons downed Clark University, 1-0 in a battle of regionally-ranked squads on Senior Day at Keefe Field. Senior goalie Matt Pachniuk (Newtown, CT/Newtown) recorded his 27th career shutout, surpassing Jon Girolamo '98 in becoming Wheaton's all-time leader.

Moving to 11-4-3 overall and 5-1 in the league, Wheaton entered today's game ranked eighth in New England by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). The Lyons also gave thirteenth-year head coach Matt Cushing his 199th victory, leaving him one shy of the 200-win plateau. The Cougars, who stood fifth regionally, fall to third in the standings with a 3-2-1 league mark and 11-3-2 overall record.

With today's win, Wheaton picks up a bye in the opening round of this week's conference tournament, as the Lyons will host next weekend's semifinal and final rounds for the fourth time in the last six seasons. The Blue and White takes on the winner of a first round game between number four United States Coast Guard Academy and fifth seed Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Saturday's first semifinal game at 10:30 a.m. The second semifinal is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., and Sunday's title game is slated for 1:00 p.m.

Senior Dennis Durao (West Hartford, CT/Northwest Catholic) picked up his second consecutive game-winning goal, this time coming off a corner kick in the 59th minute, which got past Clark senior goalie Matt Talbot (Harvard, MA/Lincoln-Sudbury Regional) for the contest's lone tally. The Cougars' rally attempt in the waning minutes fell short, as the visitors frequented Wheaton's end with corner-kick opportunities and a couple of shots. However, the Lyons held off the Clark attack, led by a timely save from Pachniuk that he punched over the crossbar late in regulation.

The hosts had their fair share of scoring chances in the opening half, but nothing to show, as the Lyons posted advantages of 10-3 in shots and 6-1 on corners. Wheaton finished the game outshooting the visitors, 16-7, with corners being even at eight. Lyon sophomore Jeff Shea (Canton, MA/Canton) nearly gave the home team a 2-0 advantage midway through the second frame, but his hard shot carried just left of the target to keep Clark within striking distance.

Pachniuk had two saves in his fourth shutout of the season, while Talbot stopped two Lyon shots.

SCORING: 1st 2nd Final
Clark (11-3-2, 3-2-1) 0 0 0
Wheaton (11-4-3, 5-1) 0 1 1

2nd Half: WC- Dennis Durao (unassisted) 58:36

Goalie Saves: WC- Matt Pachniuk 2; CU- Matt Talbot 2

Shots: WC- 16; CU- 7

This page is maintained by Scott Dietz. Last updated on 10/29/06.
Questions about this page? Use our query form.

News Headlines

Cote and Ferriero two of six NEWMAC players selected to compete in NEISL Senior All-Star game (more)

Senior captains draw All-New England laurels for first time (more)

Wheaton men's soccer's final record receives adjustment (more)