Box score

Wayne, NJ ... The College of New Jersey men's soccer team chalked up its biggest win of the year as they knocked off #25 William Paterson University 1-0 in a New Jersey Athletic Conference battle in Wayne, NJ.

Junior Ray Nelan (Haddon Heights, NJ/Haddon Heights) scored the game's lone goal and sophomore goalkeeper Adam Friedman (Chester, NJ/West Morris Mendham) stopped a penalty kick with under eight minutes remaining to preserve the 1-0 shutout. The Lions (6-5-2, 4-1-1) have won five of seven games (one tie) since conference play commenced and made tremendous strides towards qualifying for post-season play with tonight's triumph.

Nelan put TCNJ ahead just 3:56 into the game when he ran onto a through ball from junior Anthony DiPalmo (Somerdale, NJ/Triton Regional) and deposited his third goal of the season into the left corner. Nelan also had the game-winner in TCNJ's 1-0 over Rutgers University-Newark.

The Pioneers had a golden opportunity to tie the match late in the game as they were awarded a penalty kick. But Friedman made his most critical save of the match turning away Julian Valerio (Manalapan, NJ/Manalapan). Valerio followed his shot with another only to be stopped again by Friedman. Valerio recently converted on a penalty kick against Rowan this past Saturday.

WPU (9-2-1) entered the game having not lost a match since dropping their season opener 3-2 to the University of Scranton. A convincing 4-1 win over Montclair State last week put them atop the NJAC standings, and after defeating Rowan University 3-1 last Saturday, William Paterson earned a national ranking for the first time since 2008. That was not enough, however, to stop a TCNJ squad that continues to gain momentum as they season progresses.

The game was physical as 22 fouls were called (11 aside) and four yellow cards were awarded on the field. TCNJ held the advantage in shots 12-11, putting eight of them on net. WPU goalkeeper Zach Collins finished with eight saves and suffered his first lost of the season in goal.

The Pioneers put the Lion's defense to the test serving 10 corner kicks in the game. TCNJ's defense, however, continued to play stubborn as they've allowed just three goals in its past five games. Senior Phillip Cunha (Milford, NJ/Immaculata) made a crucial play, heading a ball out from his goal-line that was destined for the back of the net.

Friedman earned his second shutout, recording four saves between the posts.

TCNJ continues conference competition this Saturday when they travel to Union, NJ to square off against Kean University at 1 p.m. The Lions return home on Wednesday, October 20 to face Muhlenberg College at Lions' Stadium at 7:30 p.m.