Men’s Soccer Downs Wheelock College, 13-0

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – Elms College sophomore forward Ziggy Jonathan (Springfield, Mass.) scored three goals and added two assists as nine different players found the back of the net in a 13-0 victory over Wheelock College in Wednesday afternoon's New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) men's soccer game in Chestnut Hill, Mass.

With the victory, Elms wins its third straight for the first time since 2004 to improve to 6-10 overall, 3-4 in NECC action. Wheelock slips to 0-12 on the season, 0-6 in conference play.

Elms built an early five-goal lead in the opening 15 minutes of play on the strength of two scores by Jonathan, and one apiece from junior forward Tavish Leland (Bridgton, Maine), freshman forward Anthony Nitri (Feeding Hills, Mass.) and first-year midfielder Alex Rodriguez (Fitchburg, Mass.). The goals by Nitri and Rodriguez were the first of their collegiate careers.  

Freshman defender Conor Rieker (Agawam, Mass.) added a goal at the 28:15 mark and sophomore defender Brendan Reed (East Longmeadow, Mass.) struck in the 43^rd minute to give Elms a 7-0 lead at intermission.

Leland, Jonathan, freshman midfielder Dustin Gregoire (Belchertown, Mass.) and senior midfielder Adam Schnopp (Pittsfield, Mass.) each notched a goal in the second half, while freshman forward Joelle Reyes (Lynn, Mass.) tallied two goals in the final 45 minutes of play.

Jonathan chipped in two assists, while Leland, Reyes and freshman forward Joseph Coleman (Easthampton, Mass.) each assisted on a goal.

Senior goalkeeper Ryan Sullivan (Agawam, Mass.) turned away all three shots he faced, while Wheelock goalkeeper Bobby Venning (Greenfield, N.H.) registered 10 saves for the Wildcats.

Elms concludes its regular season slate on Saturday, Oct. 29 when it hosts Daniel Webster College in a NECC contest set for 7:00 p.m. at Leary Field.