Gophers Surrender Only One Goal, Subdue Buccaneers

TOWSON, Md. — Goucher carried a shutout into the latter stages of the third quarter for the second time this season today, but this time the Gophers surrendered only the one goal to the opposition as they thumped Beloit, 17-1.

A 13-shot barrage yielded seven goals in the first quarter for head coach Brian Kelly's squad, including two by Michael Morgan (Austin, Texas/Westwood). The senior midfielder also accounted for the first two goals of the second period, boosting his team-high total for the season to 14.

The Gophers (4-1) led 11-0 at the end of the first half and added goals by Grant Lasorda (Collegeville, Pa./Germantown Academy) and Nate Willinski (Decatur, Ga./Decatur) in the third quarter before the Buccaneers (1-3) tallied their goal with 1:30 remaining in the period.

Willinski completed a two-goal, four assist performance by setting up a goal by Michael Del Vecchio (Worcester, Pa./Methacton) and sticking an unassisted goal in the four quarter.

Goucher, which improved to 3-0 at home this season, finished with a 47-26 advantage in shots and a 48-33 edge in ground balls.

Matt Messerle (Limerick, Pa./Spring-Ford) started in goal for the Gophers and made three saves before being lifted with 5:24 remaining in the first half. Edward Hellier (South Portland, Maine/South Portland) took over and played into the fourth quarter, making an additional eight saves, before Robert Carrigan (Baltimore, Md./Sparrows Point) took over and stopped five shots over the final 11:09.

With Beloit going 0-for-8 on extra-man opportunities, Goucher has allowed its first five opponents to score only two times on a total of 22 man-up situations (.091).

The Gophers have only one day off before they take on Ferrum at 12 noon Satuday on Beldon Field.