(Courtesy of Rhode Island College Sports Information)

Rhode Island College Downs Southern Maine 5-0

            PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Junior forward Kevin Stone (Wakefield, R.I.) scored his first career goal and sophomore striker Jose Zarraga (Providence, R.I.) struck twice as Rhode Island College defeated the University of Southern Maine, 5-0, in Little East Conference action played at the RIC Soccer Field on Saturday afternoon.

            The win was the second straight for the Anchormen who improved to 7-5-4 overall and 2-2-2 in LEC play.  The Huskies are winless on the season falling to 0-16-1 overall and 0-6-0 in the league.

            The Anchormen got on the board in the fourth minute of action after earning a corner kick following a shot from Zarraga that deflected off of a USM defender. Junior midfielder Emmanuel Asiedu (Lincoln, R.I.) lofted a perfect corner kick from the right sideline that Stone headed off the crossbar and into the net.  It was the first career strike for the converted goalkeeper.

            Zarraga gave the hosts a 2-0 cushion in the 14th minute on a setup from Stone, who hurled a perfectly placed throw-in into the box for Zarraga to head home. The Anchormen offense kept clicking as Zarraga struck again for his second score of the game, and his sixth of the year, with an unassisted marker in the 23rd minute. Zarraga stole the ball just outside the box and ripped a shot into the back of the net after it was misplayed by the Huskies in their own territory.

            RIC went into halftime holding a 13-4 advantage in shots, forcing Southern Maine freshman goalkeeper Matthew Willis (Standish, Maine/Bonny Eagle) to make four stops in the opening 45 minutes.

            It didn't take long for the hosts to add to their advantage in the second half as sophomore midfielder Camilo Estrada (Pawtucket, R.I.) struck for his sixth of the year in the 55th minute. Junior midfielder Brian Sujecki (Pawcatuck, Conn.) came off the bench in the second half to pot his first goal of the season and make it a 5-0 game in the 67th minute.

            RIC freshman goalkeeper Chris Moura (Rumford, R.I.) made three saves to earn the win (5-5-4) and record his fourth shutout of the season.  Willis (0-7) finished with four stops.

            RIC held the advantage in shots, 19-5, and corner kicks, 3-1.

            In upcoming action, Southern Maine travels to Salem State University for a game under the lights on Tuesday (6:00 p.m.).  Rhode Island College will play at Johnson & Wales University on Tuesday (3:30 p.m.).

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