SPRINGFIELD, Mass. –  The Roger Williams University Men's Soccer team suffered its first Commonwealth Coast Conference loss of the season Wednesday afternoon, with Western New England, ranked 25th nationally, defeating the Hawks 2-0.

The Golden Bears improve to 12-2-1 (6-0-0 CCC); while the Hawks fall to 9-2-3 (3-1-2 CCC). Roger Williams dropped out of this week's national poll after being ranked 21st last week.

Western New England jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the 7th minute as senior forward Austin Santolini (Agawam, Mass.) finished on a cross from senior midfielder Corey Howard (Hopedale, Mass.) that was flicked on by sophomore forward Ryan Williams (Brewster, N.Y.).

The Hawks had their best chance to equalize in the 63rd minute as junior midfielder Billy Kissane (Glastonbury, Conn.) hit a low hard shot to the far post that was saved by sophomore goalkeeper Domenick Villano (Bronxville, N.Y.); the rebound fell to senior forward Liam Isleib (Killingworth, Conn.) but Villano was again able to make the save.

Just two minutes later, WNE senior midfielder Eric Marcelino (Farmington, Conn.) whipped in a free kick that was headed home by classmate Shawn Fitzpatrick (Burnt Hills, N.Y.) to increase the lead to 2-0.

Western New England held a 17-13 edge in shots with both teams landing seven shots on target. WNE also enjoyed a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks.

Villano made seven saves to record the shutout win in net.

RWU sophomore goalie Jon Pelloso (Wilbraham, Mass.) made five saves on the afternoon.

Western New England returns to the field on Saturday (Oct. 15), traveling to Curry at 7:00 p.m. for a conference match. Roger Williams will travel to Wentworth on Saturday at 4:00 p.m.

- Release courtesy of the Western New England University Sports Information Department