PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Freshman
Nick Ferro (Smithfield, R.I.) and senior
Griffin Gamache (West Lebanon, N.H.) each scored their first career goals as Plymouth State University blanked Colby-Sawyer College, 2-0, in non-conference men's soccer action at Panther Field on Saturday afternoon.
The Panthers controlled play early, holding a 9-4 edge in first-half shots, but the game remained scoreless at the break. PSU finally broke through in the 80th minute when Ferro lofted a left-footed chip over the Colby-Sawyer goalkeeper. Gamache added an insurance tally just five minutes later, volleying home a free kick to seal the victory.
With the result, Plymouth State moves to 1-1-0, while the Chargers drop to 0-1-1.
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 2, Colby-Sawyer 0
- Plymouth State (1-1-0)
- Colby-Sawyer (0-1-1)
How it Happened:
- Senior Massimo Korcsog (Ottawa, Ontario) delivered a dangerous cross from the right side midway through the first half, but the Chargers' defense headed it clear.
- Freshman Luke McLaughlin (Topsham, Maine) fired from 30 yards out in the 25th minute, but his shot floated wide.
- Korcsog found McLaughlin in the 31st minute, but the freshman's volley was saved, and the game stayed level heading into halftime.
- Sophomore Colby Cowan (Oakdale, Conn.) nearly broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, ripping a free kick toward the left corner, but the keeper made a diving stop.
- Colby-Sawyer's best chance came midway through the second half when a through ball slipped past the PSU back line, but the cross was too strong for the striker to convert.
- PSU finally broke through in the 80th minute when McLaughlin's perfectly timed through ball split a pair of defenders and Ferro chipped it over the leaping goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead.
- Gamache put the game out of reach in the 85th minute, volleying in Cowan's free kick for his first career goal.
By the Numbers:
- Junior goalkeeper Kole Matta (Castleton, Vt.) made three saves for his second career shutout.
- PSU outshot the Chargers 20-8, including a 10-3 advantage on goal.
- Colby-Sawyer held a 6-2 edge in corner kicks.
- McLaughlin led the Panthers with four shots.
- Plymouth State has now won three of the last six meetings (3-1-2) and holds a 9-5-3 record against Colby-Sawyer since 1992.
Up Next:
- Plymouth State continues its homestand next Saturday (Sept. 6) with a non-conference matchup against Maine Maritime. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at Panther Field.
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