Jonathan Nets Four Goals as Men’s Soccer Rides Past Rivier College, 7-1

NASHUA, N.H. – Elms College sophomore forward Ziggy Jonathan (Springfield, Mass.) found the back of the net four times and added an assist to help the Blazers post a convincing 7-1 victory over Rivier College in Thursday evening's non-conference men's soccer game.

With the win, Elms extends its winning streak to two and improves to 5-10 on the season, while Rivier remains winless on the season and falls to 0-13 overall.

The Blazers' victory over Rivier evens the all-time series at 3-3-1, and is the squad's first win by three or more goals since a 10-0 victory over conference rival Wheelock College on Oct. 27, 2010.

Elms scored early in the contest when Jonathan blasted the first of his four goals on a pass from junior midfielder Tavish Leland (Bridgton, Maine) in the 10^th minute.

The Blazers held its 1-0 edge until the 32^nd minute of play when they struck for three scores in a 10 minute span on the strength of Jonathan's  second goal of the contest, while Leland and freshman forward Joseph Coleman (Easthampton, Mass.) each found the back of the net to lift the lead to 4-0. Coleman, Jonathan and freshman midfielder Joelle Reyes (Lynn, Mass.) each added an assist during the stretch.

At the 54:11 mark of the second half, Leland and freshman defender Anthony Nitri (Feeding Hills, Mass.) connected with Jonathan who drove home his third goal of the game upping Elms' advantage to 5-0 before Rivier got on the board when Danny Connelly (Bedford, N.H.) scored a breakaway goal to set the score at 5-1.

Leland earned his third assist of the contest at the 77:34 minute when he found Coleman who registered his second goal of the game.

Jonathan capped the scoring in the 83^rd minute notching his fourth goal.

The Blazers controlled the pace of play throughout each half, out-shooting Rivier 24-0 in the first 45 minutes and finished with a 40-6 shot advantage for the game.

Elms' senior goalkeeper Ryan Sullivan (Agawam, Mass.) stopped two of the three shots the Raiders placed on target to help preserve the victory.

Jonathan led the offensive attack with five shots on goal, while Nitri, Leland, and Coleman delivered three shots on target. Sophomore defender Brendan Reed (East Longmeadow, Mass.) added three shots on goal in the winning effort.

Elms returns to league play when it travels to Boston, Mass. for a 3:30 p.m. tilt against Wheelock Oct. 26.