Dudley, MA- The Worcester State College men's soccer team earned their first win of the year behind a two-goal performance by sophomore Brian Andrade (Auburn, MA).  The win improves the Lancers to 1-2 on the season.

Nichols men’s soccer team failed to capitalize on several chances in a 2-0 loss to Worcester State on Thursday in its 2006 home opener. The Bison had several quality scoring chances but Worcester State junior keeper Albert Jenkins (Thomaston, GA) was superb in net, recording seven saves on the day, including a Nichols penalty kick in the first half of play.

The Lancers took a 1-0 lead midway through the first half when freshman Derrick Bennett (Oxford, MA) connected with Andrade on a cross to the near post which Andrade headed in past Nichols keeper, freshman Clayton Johnson (Williamstown, MA).

The Bison had a golden opportunity to tie things up with 10:46 left in the half when they were awarded a penalty kick due to a hand ball inside the box. Senior Brian Roche (Bolton, MA) delivered a low kick to the left that Jenkins was able to snatch up, leaving the score at 1-0.

Nichols controlled possession of the ball in the early going of the second half, getting three good scoring opportunities in the opening five minutes. Junior Brian Giaconne’s (Enfield, CT) header 3:46 into the half went off the post while his bullet from outside the 18 along with a left footed boot by senior Jarrod Fowler (Webster, MA) went wide.

Andrade gave Worcester State a two goal cushion when he struck for his second goal at the 71:40 mark. This time Andrade used a low shot from the far corner to beat Johnson.

Johnson recorded five saves in all 90 minutes of action between the posts for Nichols. Overall, the Bison out-shot the Lancers 15-8.

Worcester State will take on the University of Southern Maine on Saturday afternoon on Coughlin Field.

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