Late goal lifts Bison over Panthers

            DUDLEY, Mass. – Freshman Donny Whittle (Ellington, Conn.) struck in the 88th minute Monday afternoon to break a scoreless tie and deliver his second consecutive game-winning tally, and fifth of the season, as host Nichols College defeated Plymouth State University, 1-0, in a non-conference men's soccer match.

            Plymouth State (5-8) had the best opportunity of the first half in the 20th minute as freshman Jens Bonnevier (Finspang, Sweden) looked to bury a header. Nichols (8-5) outshot the visitors 12-5 in the scoreless first half while the Panthers took the only corner kick of the contest.

            The Bison had a pair of chances beginning in the 74th minute as Nichols senior Scott Coderre (Thompson, Conn.) took a shot that sailed just above the crossbar. Just over a minute later sophomore Michael Perry (Plainville, Mass.) sent a nifty heel pass to junior Fred Willard (Webster, Mass.) for a shot that went wide.

            Nichols netminder Francesco Chiaravalloti (Torrington, Conn.) tipped a shot by senior Parker Spear (Sodus Point, N.Y.) in the 85th minute to preserve the shutout. Three minutes later Whittle knocked home a deflection off a defender for his team-leading ninth goal of the season.

            Chiaravalloti picked up his first career victory and solo shutout in a five save effort. Freshman Sam Whipple (Kingston, N.H.) stopped five shots in his second decision of the year.

            Nichols ventures to Anna Maria Thursday for a non-conference match at 4:00 p.m. Plymouth State travels to Western Connecticut on Sunday for a Little East Conference matchup at 12 noon.

 Courtesy of Nichols Sports Information)

-- 30 --