Box Score

KEENE, N.H.--Freshman Rahul Drukpa scored twice and five other Owls found the back of the net as the Keene State College men's soccer team rolled to a 7-1 win over visiting Castleton University at Dr. Ron Butcher Field on Wednesday night.

Records

• Keene State: 3-5-2, 2-1-1 LEC
• Castleton: 3-10, 1-4 LEC

How it Happened

The Owls were behind after just three minutes of play, as the Spartans went in front when Noah Swainbank powered a header into the net from Ben Stewart's corner kick.  

Keene State equalized in the 16th minute when Denis Fleming controlled the ball at the top of the box and fired in a powerful shot for his third goal in two games.   The Owls went in front for good in the 27th minute, when Mbambi Mbungu's fancy footwork took him past the Castleton defense, before dinking a shot off the left post and past Spartan goalie Andre Soto-Burgos.     The Spartans had a chance to get back into the game when they were awarded a penalty kick in the 32nd minute, but Nate Howard guessed correctly, diving to his right to make the save.

That would prove to be the turning point; KSC added a third just before halftime, as Mbungu turned provider, laying off a perfect pass for Drukpa, who made no mistake for his first collegiate goal.

The Owls added four more goals after the break, starting with the first goal of the season for Yusufu Juma.   Fleming's corner fell in exactly the right spot for the Owl senior, who tapped in from close range.  Nicholas Dalesio was next on the scoresheet with an unassisted tally, and Mario Santos grabbed his first career goal when he headed in a cross from Reed Rampinelli in the 80th minute.

Drukpa added his second in the 87th minute to complete the scoring.

Inside the Box

• The win gives Keene State seven points in the LEC standings, tying them with UMass Dartmouth, though the Owls have a game in hand on the Corsairs.   Eastern Connecticut State, Western Connecticut State, UMass Boston, and Rhode Island College are in a four way tie for first place with 12 points each.   The top six teams in the standings qualify for the LEC tournament, with the top two seeds recieving a bye into the semifinals.   Seeds No. 3 and 4 will host quarterfinal games.
• After starting the year 0-5-1, Keene State is 3-0-1 in its last four games.

Up Next

• Keene State remains at home for another LEC matchup on Saturday, October 16, when the Owls will host UMass Boston.   Kickoff is at 1 p.m.
• The Spartans will host Plymouth State that same afternoon.