Franklin, MA- The Dean College Men's Soccer team clinched a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) postseason birth with their 1-0 victory over Albertus Magnus College. The Tuesday victory improved Dean to 7-7-2 (6-4-0 GNAC), while the Falcons drop to 7-7-2 (4-5-1 GNAC).

Noteworthy Marks:
-Dean secures their second postseason birth in three years. They last went to the GNAC Tournament in 2023, falling in the opening round to the University of Saint Joseph (CT).
-The Bulldogs can secure a home playoff match with a win this Saturday versus Saint Joseph's College of Maine. This would be the first time in program history they hosted a GNAC playoff game.

How it Happened:
-The Falcons controlled the opening minutes of the match, forcing offensive momentum towards the box. Lorenzo Lauria would have the match's first shot shortly after, but it sailed high of the goal. Rafael Antonio also had a shot, but it was blocked by a strong Dean defense. 
-Just over a minute later, Dean's Ayomide Talabi (Hamilton, NJ) would rush the other way, gathering a quick shot on-goal. However, Albertus' keeper David Lucero would make the casual save. The Bulldogs would continue their momentum through the next five minutes, seeing shots from freshman Felipe Castillo (Tampa, FL) and Brian Allen (Fort Lauderdale, FL). Lucero would stand tall again, making both saves and keeping the match scoreless. 
-Since this moment, the Bulldogs would maintain their offensive control in the first half. They recorded 12 shots compared to an Albertus five. The Falcons did have three lone chances towards the end of the first half, with crucial stops by keeper Jake Godwin (Norwalk, CT). However, after 45 minutes of action, the match remained 0-0. 
-Dean would draw first blood in the second half. John Pordage (Wayland, MA) would secure a corner kick, eventually stopped by the Albertus defense. Shortly after, the Falcons would drive down the other side of the field, taking a shot on-goal. Godwin's save stopped them in their tracks. 
-The Falcons would gather three more shots in the next ten minutes, keeping Dean on their toes. However, after remaining patient, the Bulldogs would be the ones to break the tie. Castillo would setup in front of the box, eventually burying a headershot from Ciaran Phibbs (Yonkers, NY). Dean now led with approximately 15 minutes remaining. 
-Albertus gave everything they had in the final minutes. The Falcons had three more shots, plus a corner kick, to try and tie the match. Dean remained vigilant, blocking everything they saw coming. After a strong effort by the defense, the Bulldogs would secure their GNAC postseason birth by a final score of 1-0.

Standouts:
-Castillo (Game-Winning Goal, 4 Shots, 2 SOG)
-Phibbs (Assist)
-3 Dean Players (SOG Ea.)
-Godwin (5 Saves, SHO Victory, 90:00 Minutes Played)
*4th Career Shutout for Godwin.

Next Up:
-Saturday, October 25th, 1:00PM at Saint Joseph's College of Maine (GNAC Contest)


For Media Inquiries:
Brett Chaves
Sports Information Director, Dean College Athletics
(508) 541-1826
BChaves@dean.edu