BOSTON, Mass. – One goal would be all the Lesley University Lynx would need in a 1-0 defeat of Emmanuel College in non-conference men's soccer action on Thursday night. The loss under the lights on Roberto Clemente Field dropped the host Saints to 1-5 on the season, while the Lynx improved to 4-1-1 with the win.
The Lynx netted what would hold up as the game-winner on their fifth shot attempt of the first half. Rookie Erik Johansen (West Harrison, N.Y.) sent a pass through the midfield, which found Ryan Richardson (Santa Barbara, Calif.) open on the left side. Richardson drilled his shot over the out-stretched hands of Emmanuel's sophomore keeper James Withers (East Taunton, Mass.) into the upper netting. Richardson's goal at 34:40 was his first of the season and the Lynx took a 1-0 lead.
The Saints got off just 2 shots in the first half, compared to 8 by the visiting Lynx.
Emmanuel had a great look just five minutes into the second half, when Stefano Sainato (Albany, N.Y.) spun and ripped a shot just over the Lesley crossbar.
With time winding down in the second frame, the Saints just missed on the equalizer. With just under eight minutes to play, Cian O'Sullivan (Agawam, Mass.) served up a shot that was deflected off the crossbar by Lesley's Nathan Trucks (Guilford, Conn.). Allan Parrelli (Reading, Mass.) had an opportunity on the rebound, but his shot swung high and wide.
Emmanuel held Lesley to just one shot in the second frame, but the Lynx outshot the Saints, 9-5 on the night. The corner kick opportunities were even at 5-5.
Trucks picked up the win between the pipes for Lesley, making 2 saves and improving to 4-0-1 on the season. Withers suffered the loss for Emmanuel and made 5 saves in the effort.
Lesley University plays again this Saturday, September 14th, when the Lynx travel to Babson College for a 3:00 PM start. The Saints will also be back in action on Saturday, when they open up Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play by hosting the Mustangs of Mount Ida College in a 3:00 PM start.