MEN’S SOCCER BLANKS BRYANT, 2-0

SMITHFIELD, R.I. - After holding even ground with the Bulldogs for nearly two halves of play, Alex Russell (Harisburg, Pa.) and Chris Banks (Westborough, Mass.) netted two goals within six minutes of one another to propel the University of New Hampshire men's soccer team to victory over Bryant University, 2-0, Saturday afternoon at the Bryant Turf Complex.

The Wildcats (3-4-1) posted 13 shots in the game, while the Bulldogs (2-6-0) had 5. The Wildcats also held the advantage in shots on goal with nine, while the Bulldogs compiled just one.

After a scoreless first half of play, the Bulldogs came out of the gates in search of a tie-breaker, but were shut down by UNH's defense as Mike DaFonte's shot was blocked and Jordan Martin's shot missed wide in the 50th minute.

The Bulldogs would continue the offensive effort as Kyle Paton sent a low shot from just outside the box over to a diving DaFonte, who narrowly missed the shot sending it wide.

The Wildcats wouldn't wait long to seize the opportunity connecting on their fourth shot of the half as Russell flicked the ball into the far right corner of the post for his first goal of the season in the 74th minute.

New Hampshire would strike again moments later as Brad Hilton (Merrimack, N.H.) would pick up the ball off a Marcus Barr (Wallingford, Pa.) pass and dribble it down towards the box lifting the ball over the head of Bryant goalkeeper Matt Miscione to the right hand post to a wide open Banks who would tap in the ball from one yard out for the score.

Joe Corsello (York, Maine) led the Wildcats with three shots in the game, while Banks and Barr each tallied two of their own.

The Wildcats return to action when they travel to Fairfield, Conn. to take on the Fairfield University Stags on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m.