Rindge, N.H. - Franklin Pierce University (8-1-1, 7-0) remained perfect in Conference play with a commanding 5-1 victory over Stonehill College (2-7-1, 0-6) in Northeast-10 men's soccer action Saturday night.
Franklin Pierce controlled the match from beginning to end, running its winning streak to seven matches, while remaining perfect in Northeast-10 play, and extended its unbeaten run to nine matches. The Ravens have now won nine-straight NE-10 regular season matches dating back to late last season. Franklin Pierce out-shot Stonehill 25-3 for the match, including 16-3 in the second half, and posted a 16-2 advantage in shots on target.
Franklin Pierce started the scoring early with quick goal from Cole Larned, assisted by Michael Vitulano. Raven Johan Torstensson scored midway through the half to give Franklin Pierce a 2-0 halftime lead.
Stonehill cut its deficit in half and looked to make a game of it in the 69th minute. Sophomore David Pohl (Weymouth, Mass) stripped the ball off a defender's boot and broke in one-on-one with Thorpe, depositing a low shot from 14-yards out in the left channel into the right corner of the net. Pohl's team leading third goal marked the Skyhawks first against Franklin Pierce since a 2-1 double-overtime loss on October 21, 2002 - snapping a streak of 467:12 scoreless minutes since that second half goal. The goal was the first Franklin Pierce has conceded in four matches - snapping a streak of 392:03 scoreless minutes for Thorpe and the Ravens.
Franklin Piece proved to be too much for the young Stonehill team. Late in the second half David Clifton scored three goals and Mattijs Eppinga added two assists as the Ravens opened up a four goal lead. In defeat, goaltender Brian Guerrini (Glastonbury, Conn) collected 11 saves; helping the Skyhawks to stay in the game until late.
Stonehill will continue Northeast-10 competition next week. The Skyhawks will return home to take on Bryant College (7-4, 4-4) Tuesday at 4:00pm.