Bristol, RI – Roger Williams University freshman Brandon O’Donovan (Coram, NY)scored the game winning goal in the 51st minute of play off a header for the second consecutive game to lift the Hawks past a tough Gordon College team, 1-0, en route to the Commonwealth Coast Conference Championship for a second straight season in men’s soccer action played on Bayside Field.

Gordon College came out firing on all cylinders early in the game and held the halftime advantage in shots 5-3. After battling to a scoreless first half, the Hawks came out with plenty of intensity and poise as senior Mike Bray (Milford, PA) made a perfect feed to junior midfielder Brendan Cavanaugh (Newtown, CT) who followed with a perfect cross right to the head of O’Donovan as he chipped the ball to the center of the net and past the outstretched hands of Gordon’s keeper Peter Hassler (Westford, VT).

The Hawks defense has posted an incredible 16 shutouts this season. Senior co-captain Patrick Milner (No. Stonington, CT) was all over the field causing the Fighting Scots offensive fits. Freshman defender Joey Summa (Stamford, CT) seemed to be in the right position at the right time keeping the ball out of Hawks territory throughout. Sophomore Andrew Seck (Walpole, MA) and freshman Ardy Jagne (Bronx, NY) were also key contributors in the defense as they allowed just five shot attempts in the second half. Junior goal keeper Kevin Deegan (Seymour, CT) proved to the 500 plus spectators why he is one of the nations top keepers as he recorded his 15th shutout of the season and made five saves in the win.

The Fighting Scots (13-6-0, 10-1-0 CCC) gave the Hawks everything they could handle as forward Chris Neffinger (Southampton, MA), sophomores Keith Lumpp (Silver Lake, OH) and David McMullen (Silver Lake, OH) each registered two shot attempts. Hassler was spectacular in goal for the Fighting Scots as he made two saves in the loss.

The Hawks (16-2-3, 11-0-0) never lost to a CCC opponent all season. With the win, the Hawks are guaranteed an NCAA Tournament birth.

GC 0 0 -0
RWU 0 1 -1

GC Shots: 10 RWU Shots: 11

GC Goalkeeping: Peter Hassler (90:00 minutes, two saves, one goal allowed)
RWU Goalkeeping: Kevin Deegan (90:00 minutes, five saves, no goals allowed)