SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - September 18, 2007 – Adrian Schippers (Ashby, Mass.) found the back of the net twice in the first half to lead the way as the Springfield College men’s soccer team topped MCLA, 2-0, on Tuesday evening.

With the win, the Pride improve to 3-4 on the season while the Trailblazers drop to 2-4.

The reigning NEWMAC Rookie of the Year, Schippers, has now tallied four goals in the last three games to lead Springfield to a 2-1 record in that stretch.

Schippers netted his first goal of the match at the 11:25 mark of the first half. After Tony Disatsio (Burlington, Conn.) switched the field with a long cross from the right side, John Plourd (Southampton, Mass.) collected the ball on the endline. Plourd sent a chip across the box to Schippers, who was all-alone on the right side. Schippers elevated and headed the ball into the top right corner to give the home team a 1-0 advantage.

Schippers tallied his second goal with 16:00 remaining in the first stanza. Distasio sent a through ball along the right side from midfield as Schippers cruised past three MCLA defenders. The sophomore forward finished his one-on-one opportunity with the keeper as the Pride went into halftime with a 2-0 lead.

Springfield outshot MCLA, 20-9, in the game including a 15-2 advantage in the first half. B.J. Sturdivant (Bear, Del.) made four saves in goal to notch his first shutout of the season.

The Pride return to action on Saturday afternoon as it travels to take on conference-foe Coast Guard at 11:30 a.m.

published: 09/18/2007