BABSON PARK, Mass. (November 16, 2008) – For the fifth time in six years, the Stevens Institute of Technology men’s soccer team is in the NCAA Division III Men’s Soccer Championship Sectional Semifinals. The Ducks defeated Rhode Island College 2-0 in Babson Park, Mass. at Babson College and will take on Johns Hopkins University next weekend at a time and place yet to be determined. Sophomore Nolan Sandberg (Round Lake Park, Ill.) scored both Stevens goals as junior Terrence Johnson (New Orleans, La.) was credited with both assists. Stevens controlled the entire contest and ended the game with an overwhelming advantage in both shots and corners.

Rhode Island had the first good scoring chance early in the first stanza, but sophomore Corey Carvalho's (Dartmouth, Mass.) rocket from 20 yards out was blocked by Stevens' sophomore goalie Zach Carr (Carmel, Ind.) and cleared by a defender. That early chance would prove to be the Anchormen's best opportunity of the period, as Stevens posted a 12-3 shot advantage despite playing into a ferocious wind.

The Ducks would eventually grab a 1-0 lead late in the half, beginning when Johnson and RIC freshman goalkeeper Justin O’Connor (North Kingstown, R.I.) raced each other to a loose ball at the top of the box. Johnson got there first and ripped a shot that O’Connor was able to block, but the rebound caromed directly to Sandberg, who launched a shot over the head of a defender and into the net from 30 yards out at 42:48.

Playing with the wind at its backs, Stevens was able to control most of the action in the second half, allowing just a pair of shots on net that were both easily handled by Carr.

At the other end, Sandberg gave his team a key insurance goal at 87:12, as he took a pass from Johnson on the left side and broke in all alone on O’Connor. The RIC goalie made a valiant effort to deny the ensuing bid, but Sandberg tucked a perfect shot inside the left post for his second goal of the game and seventh of the season. Johnson was credited with his team-high seventh assist.

O’Connor finished with five saves in net for Rhode Island College (12-6-5), while Carr turned away three shots for Stevens. The Ducks ended with a 22-6 lead in shots and a 12-3 advantage in corners.

Since falling to Ithaca, Stevens has been on an absolute tear. The Ducks have recorded five-straight wins and shutouts, four of which have come in postseason, do-or-die play. Carr has been in net for every minute of action as the Stevens defense led by senior captain Jason Nachman (Johnson City, N.Y.) and junior Chris Faustino (Union, N.J.) also deserves a great deal of credit.

Johns Hopkins advanced by favorite York College (Pa.) on penalty kicks in second-round action on Sunday as well. The site and times for next weekend’s Sectional Semifinals and Finals are scheduled to be announced Monday.

Continue to check StevensDucks.com for updates.