Bittan Lifts Men’s Soccer Over Albertus Magnus in GNAC Opener

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The reigning GNAC Corvias Player of the Week, Alberto Bittan, was the deciding factor in the Suffolk men's soccer opener as the senior scored the lone goal to lift the Rams over Albertus Magnus at Celentano Field Saturday afternoon.

THE BASICS
SCORE: Suffolk 1, Albertus Magnus 0
RECORDS: Suffolk (1-2-0, 1-0-0 GNAC) | Albertus Magnus (2-2-0, 0-1-0 GNAC) 

HOW IT HAPPENED
After a scoreless first 45 on a hot and humid day, which saw both teams shuffling players in and out of the contest due to fatigue, Bittan broke a scoreless contest in the 65th minute with his conference-leading sixth goal of the fall. The Rams backlined anchored by sophomore netminder Kyle Van Cleef kept the hosts off the board the rest of the way to secure the victory, Suffolk's first of the season. 

GAME-WINNER
Bittan got free in the middle of the field and fired a shot from outside the 18 past the outstretch arms of Albertus Magnus keeper Joe Russo. 

KEEPING UP WITH THE KEEPERS

• Van Cleef made four saves in his first collegiate win and shutout.
• Russo faced eight shots, stopping seven in the setback. 

 NOTEABLES

• Suffolk won its conference opener for the first time since defeating Anna Maria in the first conference game of the 2012 season, 9-0.
• The Rams marked their first shutout since a 2-0 cleansheet over Johnson & Wales Sept. 27, 2014.
• Suffolk snapped a two-game skid against the Falcons and moved to 7-11-0 all-time against Albertus Magnus. 

POST-GAME PIC

COMING UP
Suffolk returns to the friendly confines of James A. Sartori Stadium at East Boston Memorial Park Monday, Sept. 12 when the Rams entertain Lesley at 7 p.m.