Malcolm Richardson, far left, reacts after scoring the game-winning goal. (Photo by Mickey Curtis)
WESTFIELD – Senior reserve back Malcolm Richardson scored 7:07 into the game to lift Westfield State University to a 1-0 victory over Elms College in non-conference men’s soccer action on Thursday afternoon.
It was the first victory of the season for the 1-2-1 Owls and the first triumph for first-year head coach John Evans. Elms, coached by former Westfield State standout Chris Streeter (’98), is 1-3.
“I thought we played well,” said Evans, who noted there were a number of new faces in his starting lineup.
Richardson’s game-winning goal came on a scramble following an Owl corner kick. Elms goalie Christian Kostka jumped high near the left post for a save but was unable to control the ball.
Westfield junior back Ryan Nickerson took a shot from short range that was blocked by Elms back Anthony Nitri. Richardson received the rebound near the left post and hammered it in for the game’s only goal.
Westfield outshot Elms, 13-9. The Owls also led in corner kicks, 6-2.
Junior goalie Kris Carrington earned his first victory of the season for Westfield and recorded five saves.
