#14 Southern N.H. Blanks Franklin Pierce

RINDGE, N.H. (September 11, 2002) - Southern New Hampshire University, ranked No. 14 in this week's National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/adidas Division II Poll, netted a goal in each half pin Franklin Pierce, receiving votes in the same poll, with a 2-0 defeat in Northeast-10 Conference men's soccer action at Crystal Field this afternoon.

Franklin Pierce, ranked third in the New England region, has now been held scoreless for the last 210 minutes of action dating back to its 3-2 overtime win at the University of New Haven a week ago and have netted just one marker over the last 289 minutes of play.

Southern New Hampshire freshman Adam Spinelli claimed his second career shutout by posting three saves. However, it was a pair of defender saves by freshmen Romelle Burgess and Matt Willey, with the Penmen holding a 1-0 lead midway through the second half that perhaps saved the match.

After neither team registered a shot over the first 20-minutes of play, SNHU, ranked second in New England, took the lead with a goal by forward Mounir Tajiou on a direct kick just outside the box that rattled off the left post and into the net at the 28:23 mark.

Senior Cassio Ribeiro gave the Penmen an insurance marker at the 72:14-mark as he received the ball just over midfield then dribbled into the box, deking one defender before depositing the ball into the net.

Franklin Pierce recorded a 10-6 advantage in shots for the match (9-3 second half) and all seven of its corner kicks came in the closing 45 minutes. Junior goalkeeper Domenico Roma (Windsor, Ontario/Ste. Annes) registered one save in net for the Ravens.

Franklin Pierce (2-2-1, 0-1-1 NE-10) returns to action on Saturday when it travels to Waltham, Mass., to face Bentley College at 1 p.m.