Dane Bodziak scored twice and Max Bond was perfect in net as the Chestnut Hill College Men's Soccer team withstood a second half barrage of shots from host Lackawanna College to defeat the Falcons 2-0 in their season opener Thursday afternoon in Dunmore, Pennsylvania.
The win was the Griffins first season opening victory since the 2019 campaign when they defeated Stonehill College 3-1 at Victory Field. Chestnut Hill's last opening day road win came one year earlier, a 3-1 victory at Shippensburg University.
Bodziak wasted little time in getting the Griffins on the board, taking a pass from Kervening Thelistin and shot it low in the center part of the net past LC goalkeeper Kevin Nievas
Meanwhile Bond and the Griffins' defense held the Falcons to just four first half shots with Bond saving the only shot on net. The sophomore goalkeeper saved six more in the second half to finish the game with seven saves and complete his third shutout of his career. The shutout was also the Griffins' first opening day shutout since the 2011 season (a 0-0 tie vs. California, Pa.).
The Griffins went ahead 2-0 when Bodziak scored his second goal of the game in the 52nd minute with Mohamed Bility getting the assist.
For the game, the Falcons outshot the Griffins 14-7 (7-4 on net). Thelistin and Abdoulaye Kamagate recorded the Griffins' other two shots on goal in the contest.
The men's soccer team returns to action on Sunday, August 30, 2026 when they face West Liberty University in their home opener. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. at Victory Field
