Box Score

KEENE, N.H. - Keene State College scored two second half goals to post a 2-0 shutout win over  Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in non-conference men's soccer action at Owl Athletic Complex on Wednesday night. Winners of four of its last five games, Keene State improves to 10-6-1. RPI, coached by former KSC grad Adam Clinton, falls to 9-5-4.

Following a scoreless first half, junior Bryce Lawlor (Woodbury, Conn.) gave the Owls a 1-0 lead just nine seconds into the second half.
           
Keene State second goal came four minutes later on an own goal.  RPI senior Michael Birk (Albertson, N.Y.) attempted to head the ball back to his goalie sophomore Rob Dewald (Arlington, Va.). The miscommunication led to the ball rolling into the empty net. 
           
The Engineers best opportunity to score came later in the half when senior William Keddy-Hector (Driftwood, Tx.) and freshman Vince Bennett (Madison, N.J.) had a two-on-one break against Keene State senior back Blake Nyman (Plymouth, Mass.). Playing for a pass, Nyman was eventually able to break-up the play without a shot on net.
           
Posting his third shutout of the season and sixth of his career, junior goalie Malcolm Cheney (Hopkinton, Mass.) finished the game with two saves. Dewald also stopped two shots in the RPI net. RPI had a slim advantage in shots (13-10) and corner kicks (4-3) in the game.

It was Keene State's first win over RPI since 2008. The Owls will wrap up their regular season with a Little East game on Saturday at Western Conn. (6 p.m.) RPI will get set for the Liberty League tournament, which opens on Wednesday.