KEENE, N.H. 10/24/12 -  Keene State College scored two second half goals to post a 2-0 shutout win over  Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in non-conference men's soccer action at Owl Athletic Complex on Wednesday night. 

            Winners of four of its last five games, Keene State improves to 10-6-1. RPI, coached by former KSC grad Adam Clinton, falls to 9-5-4.

            Following a scoreless first half, junior Bryce Lawlor (Woodbury, Conn.) gave the Owls a 1-0 lead just nine seconds into the second half.  "That's the play we do after every kick-off," said Lawlor about his second goal of the season.  "One of their defenders got tripped.  I just took the ball and tried to get a shot on goal." 

            Keene State second goal came four minutes later on an own goal.  RPI senior Michael Birk (Albertson, N.Y.) attempted to head the ball back to his goalie sophomore Rob Dewald (Arlington, Va.).  The miscommunication led to the ball rolling into the empty net.  

            The Engineers best opportunity to score came later in the half when senior William Keddy-Hector (Driftwood, Tx.) and freshman Vince Bennett (Madison, N.J.) had a two-on-one break against Keene State senior back Blake Nyman (Plymouth, Mass.). Playing for a pass, Nyman was eventually able to break-up the play without a shot on net.  "You just try to delay the play as long as possible and wait for your help to arrive," said Nyman about the key defensive play."

            Posting his third shutout of the season and sixth of his career, junior goalie Malcolm Cheney (Hopkinton, Mass.) gave credit to his defense.  "The defense played really well," said Cheney, who finished the game with two saves. "They were very organized, talked a lot and never let them get a quality shot against me."

            Dewald also stopped two shots in the RPI net. RPI had a slim advantage in shots (13-10) and corner kicks (4-3) in the game.

            It was Keene State's first win over RPI since 2008.

            The Owls will wrap up their regular season with a Little East game on Saturday at Western Conn. (6 p.m.) RPI will get set for the Liberty League tournament.  A win by KSC at WCSU will secure second place and a home semifinal tournament game.  "It must win," said Lawlor.  "Hopefully we can get a home field game to start the tournament."