Box Score 

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Bobby Begin scored a pair of goals, and Garrett Shufelt netted the game-winning tally midway through the second half to help lead the Norwich University men's soccer team to a 3-2 victory over Lasell College in an exciting Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) match Wednesday afternoon at Howard Field.

The victory vaults Norwich (8-6-2, 4-3-1 GNAC) into sole possession of third place in the conference standings with just one regular season game remaining on its schedule. Lasell (8-4-3, 5-1-2 GNAC) remains alone atop the league standings despite the setback.

The Lasers broke on top, 1-0, in the 17th minute when Zachary Johnson scored off an assist from Tholemson Francois. Francois started the play when he took a lead pass down the left side of the field and fired a shot, which was blocked by a Norwich defender. The speedy forward was able to corral the ball and slide a pass over to Johnson, who ripped a shot past NU goalkeeper Charles Maxwell.

Norwich knotted the score at 1-1 late in the first half when Begin took a pass from Kyle Buscaglia and headed the ball just underneath the crossbar at the 37:19 mark. Chris Rivet started the play when he placed a corner kick into the penalty area.

Norwich moved in front, 2-1, within the first two minutes of the second half when Rivet served another corner kick into the box and Begin scored from close range in the 47th minute. The action was scrambled in front of the Lasers' goal, and it appeared as though Lasell GK Julian Dutton would be able to make a play. He was unable to snatch the loose ball, however, and Begin cashed in the opportunity.

Shufelt made it 3-1 in the 69th minute when the freshman striker settled a pass from fellow freshman Colin Pope and ripped a hard shot into the lower left-hand corner of the net.

The Cadets withstood several Lasell scoring chances, but the Lasers' pressure finally paid off with 3:18 to play when Shane Vinnicombe headed home a beautiful cross from Mike Skelton. Lasell continued to push the pace, but the Norwich defense turned back the last few challenges by the Lasers.

The game was physical throughout, with a total of 36 fouls and four cautions handed out during the contest. Both teams recorded 12 shots, while Norwich held an 11-5 edge in corner kicks.

Maxwell and Dutton both finished with two saves apiece.

The Cadets wrap up their regular season schedule on Saturday, Oct. 24, when they play host to GNAC opponent Rivier at Howard Field. Kickoff for the conference clash is set for 3 p.m.