Henniker, N.H. 9/1/10 - The Keene State College men's soccer team opened up the 2010 season with a 3-1 non-conference victory over in-state rival New England College on Wednesday night.

"It was a real hot night so I ended up playing everybody a lot," said KSC head coach Ron Butcher. "It was a good performance by our guys and a nice way to open up the season."

Keene State would take an early lead as Joe Senecal (Manchaug, Mass.) would rebound in his own blocked shot and scored in the upper right corner of the net with 27 minutes remaining in the first half. 

The Owls would tack on a second goal six minutes later when Bryce Lawlor (Naugatuck, Conn.) dribbled around the NEC defender and chipped a shot above NEC keeper Pat Harkin (Scituate, R.I.). 

NEC would answer with their lone goal of the game 30 seconds later, as Sean Walsh (Kingston, Mass.) headed in a cross from teammate Isma Mugenyi (Haverhill, Mass.). Keene State would hold the 2-1 lead into the half. 

Keene State would tally another goal with just over 30 minutes left to play in the second half as Cam Blair (Keene, N.H.) chipped in a pass from teammate Rob Musto (Guilford, Conn.) to take the 3-1 final. 

Harkin recorded nine saves on the day in net for the Pilgrims, while Keene State goalkeeper Tom Conran (South Windsor, Conn.) stopped three shots on goal en route to his first victory in 2010. 

The Owls outshot the Pilgrims 27-8 on the afternoon.

Keene State returns to action on Saturday, hosting Kean College at 2:00 p.m. in the 2010 Xara Tournament at Owl Athletic Complex.

(Courtesy New England College Sports Information)