Larocque lifts Bulldogs to 1-0 win over Pioneers

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – In an essential must-win situation, the Bryant University men's soccer team rose to the occasion to earn a huge 1-0 victory over Sacred Heart Sunday afternoon at the Bulldog Soccer Field.

Sophomore forward Brett Larocque (Ottawa, Ont.) and freshman midfielder Curtis Orth (Ancaster, Ont.) connected for the lone score of the afternoon in the 39th minute of the contest. As the Bulldogs advanced the ball up the field, Orth headed a pass towards the net in time to meet a streaking Larcoque who corralled the ball and fired a shot past Pioneer keeper Tucker Hackett in turned out to be the difference make Sunday afternoon.

In a relatively even match, the Bulldogs outshot their opposition, 12-9, earning twice as many corner opportunities (8-4) in the process. Bryant keeper Chris Knaub (Yarmouth, Maine) made three saves in his fifth win of the year, while Hackett stopped five of the Bulldog chances that came his way.

With the win, the Bulldogs improve to 5-7 overall and more importantly 2-1 in the Northeast Conference. With only four matches remaining on its 2013 regular season schedule, Bryant has put itself in a position to contend for an NEC Tournament berth come November.

Bryant's next opportunity will come on Friday when they visit the LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds (4 p.m.).

For all the latest news on the Bryant University men's soccer team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.