MEN'S SOCCER BOWS OUT OF GNAC TOURNEY TO JWU, 3-0

PROVIDENCE, RI – Defense has led the Johnson & Wales University men's soccer team to the last three GNAC Tournament championships. That formula has remained the same this year as the Wildcats started their quest for their fourth-straight crown with a 3-0 win over Emmanuel on Saturday.

Records:
Emmanuel: 8-9-2
Johnson & Wales: 10-4-4

Statistical Leaders:
Tucker MacPherson (JWU): 2 Goals, 1 Assist
Jason Cruz (JWU): 1 Goal

Of Note:
Johnson & Wales is on the road for the GNAC Semifinals. The Wildcats travel to Norwich on Tuesday for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

After missing most of the year with an injury, sophomore Tucker MacPherson (Raymond, NH) returned to the line-up in a big way. He scored a pair of goals and assisted on a third. His first goal was a header off the crossing pass from Andrew Vecere (Wayne, NJ) with less than two minutes remaining in the first half.

JWU put the game out of reach with a pair of goals 48 seconds apart. MacPherson collected a deflection and scored at the 64:41 mark of the second half. His pass in front of the goal found Jason Cruz (Providence, RI) and he tapped it in for his team-high tying sixth goal of the year.

The Wildcats defense was stifling as Travis Cole had the Saints only shot on goal, which JWU goalkeeper Jon Robbins (Berkley Heights, NJ) turned away for his fourth shutout. The Wildcats had a 19-6 advantage in shots on goal. Emmanuel rookie goalkeeper Jonathan Ferrarini (Hanover, Mass.) made eight saves.

Next Game:
Johnson & Wales and Norwich played to a 3-3 tie in their regular season meeting. The game started with Xavier Carty setting a NCAA record as he scored just three seconds into the game. The season comes to a close for the Saints who wrap the year with an 8-9-2 mark under first year Head Coach Dan Roberts.

*Release courtesy of JWU Sports Information