Skelton Game-Winner Caps Double OT Thriller for Men's Soccer

Newton, M - After just over 100 minutes of action without being able to capitalize on some quality soccer, Evan Gaccione (Westerly, R.I.) found Mike Skelton (Conway, N.H.) with a cross from along the touch-line that Skelton deposited into the net to give the Lasers a season-opening victory.

Lasell controlled the run of play in the opening half, out-shooting Hunter College 12-5 in the opening half, but the Lasers were unable to break through against the Hawks. Hunter keeper Zach Habosh (RIdgewood, N.J.) stopped seven shots in the opening half, serving as the lynchpin of the visitors bend but don't break defense.

Lasell continued to threaten in the second period, testing Habosh with 11 shots in the second 45 minutes, including a dangerous chance by Jared Lewis (Haverhill, Mass.) two and a half minutes into the half that caroomed off the crossbar.

Neither team was able to create many quality chances in the first overtime, and it was looking like penalty kicks might decide the outcome before Gaccione and Skelton combined at the beginning of the second overtime to help the hosts open the season with a thrilling victory.

Lasell outshot Hunter 28-8, with 14 of the Lasell chances ending up on frame, but the combination of Habosh's performance and some hard luck for the Lasers resulted in an exciting match.

Despite his 13 saves, Habosh found himself the losing keeper and Hunter will face-off with Husson University at 12pm on Sunday September 2nd in the tournament's consolation game. Lasell freshmen Miguel Colmenares (Caracas, Venezuala) earned the victory in his collegiate debut, tallying three saves and helping Lasell advance to a championship game appearance against Rhode Island College at 2:30pm on Sunday September 2nd.