Springfield, Mass. — October 6, 2012 — The Springfield College men’s soccer team scored four goals in the opening half and went on to defeat Clark University, 4-1, in a New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference match this afternoon at Brock-Affleck Field at the Irv Schmid Sports Complex. Zach Dutter was credited with two goals and an assist on the day.

With the win, Springfield upped its overall record to 3-8-1, and its NEWMAC record to 1-2. Clark dropped to 5-7-0 overall, and 0-3 in the conference.

SC junior midfielder Scott Saucier (Derry, N.H.) put the home team on top just 5:54 into the match. His goal was assisted by both sophomore midfielder Zach Dutter (Dallas, Pa.) and junior forward Michael Fowler (Maynard, Mass.). Fowler had the key pass in the sequence, crossing it over to Dutter, whose shot was deflected in by Saucier.

Dutter was involved again just 1:33 later. At the 7:27 mark of the first half, Dutter headed a ball into the net on a cross by junior midfielder Danny Amato (Newington, Conn.). It was now 2-0, SC.

With 26:52 left in the half, Dutter struck again. On the play, Fowler led Dutter in the middle left side for a breakaway. Dutter’s first shot was partially saved, but the ball deflected off to the side and Dutter was able to boot it home.

Finally, with 15:01 left in the first half, freshman forward Austin Vico (Plymouth, Mass.) headed a ball into the net from freshman midfielder Marco Callisto (Mamaroneck, N.Y.) for the Pride’s final tally of the day.

For Clark, in the second half, sophomore midfielder Vaske Gjino (Worcester, Mass.) scored on a 30-yard rocket, beating SC senior goalkeeper Chris Walton (Cromwell, Conn.) into the upper right corner of the net.

SC outshot the Cougars, 13-4, and had eight corner kicks to Clark’s one. Sophomore GK Brett Bascom (New London, N.H.) recorded one save in the first half. Walton had one save in the second half for the Pride. Senior GK Ryan King (Brimfield, Mass.) had four saves for Clark.

The Pride will play its next three matches on the road. The first of those is at Westfield State Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 7 pm.