GAME OVERVIEW:

MEDFORD, MA. -- The Lesley Men's Soccer team could not overcome Eastern Nazarene on Sunday night, as the Lions were named the NECC champions after a 3-1 match. The Lynx move to 9-10 on the season, while the Lions advance to a program record 16-3.

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE:

• The Lions were all over the field in the first half, as they learned from their previous 1-0 defeat at the hand of the Lynx. Not content to wait around, Eastern Nazarene struck early and often.
• The first goal of the game came tournament MVP Leon Zaffonato, who sent home a cross from Didac Gomes Castellvi. It was Zaffonato's eleventh goal of the season.
• The Lions doubled their lead when a Charlie Swann's penalty shot hit the post and rebounded to Prem Subedi. Subedi sent it to Lynx goalie David Crutchfield, who deflected it right back to Subedi for an open shot.
• The rest of the first half passed with few shots, but plenty of fouls. Both teams fought hard all night and it resulted in a tough, physical game. The Lynx lost defender Max Fereira to injury, while numerous Lions had to come off to be attended to throughout the game.
• Lesley was outshot eight to two in the first half, so they were ready to change things up in the second half. They were able to get more shots off, but found no success against Lions goalie Tim Eddings.
• Jack Wadleigh toughed this game out through an injury and still played an aggressive game, as did freshman Daniel Monteserin. Both of Lesley's strong scoring threats were shut out in the match, but they never quit despite the lingering injuries and tough Lions defense.
• Swann had another late chance at a penalty shot and converted this time, to advance the Lions lead to 3-0.
• The Lynx finally got on the board when Castellvi committed a hard foul in the box and was issued a red card, removing him from the match. Shane Rockenbach sent in the penalty shot to make the score what it would eventually end at, 3-1.
• Wadleigh, AJ Genova, Tiago Pacheco, and Crutchfield were the Lynx representatives on the All-Tournament team. Crutchfield saved seven of ten shots on the night and performed admirably against a very tough offense.