WESTON, Mass. – The Regis men's soccer team opened the week with a non-conference matchup against Fitchburg State, where a goal in the 51st-minute proved to be the difference as the Falcons edged the Pride, 1–0, at Regis Stadium.

How it Happened

Both offenses came out looking aggressive, maybe a little too much, as each side was flagged for a pair of offsides early on. The Falcons had a chance in the 26th minute with a free kick, but Wylie Gardiner (Cohasett, Mass.) got a hand on it to prevent any damage. In the 33rd minute, Joey Davila (Bristol, Conn.) tried to place one on net, but his attempt was blocked, marking the final attacking look for either side as the game went into halftime scoreless.

The Falcons struck early in the second half, but Gardiner made his third save of the day to keep things level. Just moments later, though, in the 51st minute, Joseph Lavela ripped a shot that deflected off a Pride defender and into the back of the net for the game's first goal. Reynaldo Bautista (Miami, Fla.) looked to create an answer, contorting his body to get his foot on the ball but Tristan White was there to shut him down and preserve the one-goal edge.

The Pride's best chance came in the final three minutes when Michael Arguelles (Miami, Fla.) placed a beautiful free kick into the box. Nolan McMahon (White River Junction, Vt.) rose to get his head on it, but the attempt sailed just high. The Falcons nearly doubled their lead in the final minute, but Gardiner came up with another big save on a breakaway. Still, it proved too little too late, as the Falcons held on for a 1–0 victory.

Inside the Numbers

• Wylie Gardiner made a career-high four saves in the effort. 
• Tonight's game against their Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) foe marked the Pride's fourth and final MASCAC matchup of the season.

Up Next

The Pride will continue their home stint this Wednesday, October 1 when they welcome Albertus Magnus to Weston, Massachusetts for a 5 p.m. kickoff.