SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Sept. 1, 2005 – Springfield College sophomore keeper B.J. Sturdivant (Bear, Del.) played well in goal, saving three shots, but it wasn’t enough as Western New England College upended the Pride, 1-0, in the 2005 season opener for both teams.

This afternoon’s match marked the first official varsity collegiate contest played on Springfield’s brand new, 200,000 square foot multi-purpose Field Turf complex.

Western New England (1-0) scored the lone goal of the match in just the eighth minute of play (7:06), as senior forward Paul Russo netted a feed from junior back Tim Regan to score what proved to be the game-winning goal.

The Pride failed to capitalize on some early chances in this one, as it out-shot their opponent by a 4-2 margin in the first stanza. SC falls to 0-1 on the young season as they will next travel to Keene State College for yet another non-conference match-up on Wednesday, September 7, in a 6:30 p.m. start.

In the second game of a Springfield College soccer doubleheader taking place this evening, the SC women will be hosting RPI in its season opener. Tonight’s game marks the first varsity collegiate contest held under the newly-constructed lights at 7:00 p.m.

published: 09/01/2005