Worcester, MA --- Keene State sophomore Conor Leahy (Beverly, MA) scored the lone goal of the contest in the 59th minute to help lead the Owls to a 1-0 victory over Worcester State in non-conference men's soccer action this evening at Coughlin Field.

With the win Keene State moves to 2-3 overall while the Lancers fall to 1-4-1 on the campaign.

After a back and forth battle for possession of the ball in the midfield over the first 30 minutes, the Owls took advantage of a caution by the hosts and junior Eric Deitz (Prospect, CT) was right there to direct the second chance attempt to classmate Eddie Mercer (S. Hadley, MA), but Mercer couldn't finish.

Moments later, Worcester State freshman Evan Anderson (Webster, MA) had a header shot from the  left side of the box, however, senior keeper Mike Ketterman (Monson, MA) used his fingertips to prevent the ball from crossing the goal line.

Keene State's persistence paid off early in the second stanza when Mercer placed a perfect middle cross to Leahy, who put a beautiful touch with his head from the left side of the net to score his second tally of the campaign.

The best chance for the Blue and Gold to net the equalizer came in the 72nd minute when Anderson was open on the right side of the box. KSC freshman Riley Steele (Sutton, MA) though had good fortune to be standing to the left of the goalie as he kicked the ball out of harms way and keep the Lancers off the scoreboard.

The Owls had their opportunities in the last 20 minutes of regulation, but failed to gain the upper hand after two corner kicks. Mercer was also unsuccessful with a good look on the left side of the box when senior Emil Dedo (Worcester, MA/Doherty) made a tremendous snatch in the 87th minute.

Ketterman turned aside just one attempt for the visitors as Dedo stopped three of the four shots he saw on goal. Keene State also led in shots (13-6) and doubled up WSU in corners (4-2).

Both teams will open their respective conference slates this weekend on the road this Saturday. Worcester State makes the trek to MCLA for a 1 PM kickoff while the Owls head to Plymouth State for a LEC contest at 6:30 against their in-state rival.