Springfield, Mass. – September 19, 2009 – Yuri Moreira’s free-kick strike in the 77th minute proved to be the difference as the visiting Wheaton Lyons downed the Springfield College men’s soccer team, 1-0, in both squad’s New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) opener.

With the loss, Springfield falls to 2-4, 0-1 in conference play while the Lyons, who are currently ranked 19th in the country in the latest NSCAA National Poll, improve to 7-0-1, 1-0 in league action.

Wheaton controlled much of the game as it owned a 20-7 advantage in the shot department and held a 10-2 edge in corner kicks.

The Lyons scored the lone goal of the game with just over 13 minutes remaining in regulation as Moreira scored his team-leading seventh goal of the year. After a Springfield foul gave the Lyons a free kick just outside of the 18 yard box, the visitors took advantage with a quick set piece. With the Pride setting up their wall, Moreira stepped up to the ball and sent a well-placed, bending ball just inside the far right post to put the visitors on the board.

Springfield’s keeper Chris Walton finished the game with nine saves in goal, while Cole Davidson notched four saves to record the shutout.

Springfield had a prime scoring chance with 31:26 remaining in the first half when Eric Stalsburg broke free down the right side of the field for the Pride. The sophomore forward let loose a shot from inside the box which Davidson slid and kicked away from danger.

SC’s best scoring chance in the second half came with 17 minutes to play when John Plourd fed Mike Posner on the right side of the 18 yard box. However, Posner’s shot sailed just to the right of the post as the Pride were unable to get on the board.

Springfield returns to the pitch on Wednesday evening when it plays host to Tufts at 7:00 pm.