Guerriero tallies three points, Bulldogs grab first NEC victory

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Fueled by a three-point game from Matt Guerriero (Pickering, Ont.), the Bryant University men's soccer team earned a much needed Northeast Conference victory over Sacred Heart, 3-0, on Sunday afternoon at the Bulldog Soccer Field.

Guerriero tallied his first three-point game in over three years to spark a three-goal first half and senior Chris Knaub (Yarmouth, Maine) turned aside nine shots to lead the Bulldogs (3-6-2, 1-1-1 NEC) to their first league victory. Tucker Hackett made six saves in defeat for the Pioneers (1-7-1, 0-3).

Bryant struck first in the 29th minute off a corner kick. Guerriero sent the ball into the box and freshman Charlie Booth (Concord, Mass.) was the first to get a touch on it. The ball redirected to foot of Teddy Spanos (Garden City, N.Y.) and the senior was able to flick it home for his first goal of the season.

The Black and Gold increased their lead just over three minutes later. Guerriero received the ball from sophomore Jason Norat (Wilmington, Del.), dribbled into the right side of the 18 and sent a beautiful shot inside the far left post for his second goal in four games.

Guerriero then set up the final Bulldog goal of the half in the 43rd minute. He played a perfect ball ahead to senior Brett Larocque (Ottawa, Ont.) and Larocque was able to finish. His first attempt was denied but he followed his own shot, burying his fifth goal of the season.

Knaub was tested heavily in the second half but was able to turn away eight SHU attempts in the final 45 minutes. He now has three shutouts this season and 12 in his career.

The Bulldogs will face a challenging test next weekend when it travels to western Pennsylvania to face Saint Francis U. (Oct. 23) and Robert Morris (Oct. 25).