SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Junior Lee Russo (Westford, Mass./Westford Acad.) scored the game-winning goal late in regulation to lead the visiting Brandeis University men's soccer team past host Springfield College, 1-0, on a rainy Wednesday evening. With the win, the Judges, ranked seventh in New England, improves to 9-4-1 on the season, while the Pride, ranked eighth in the region, fall to 8-3-3.

Springfield actually looked to jump on the board early when they put a ball in the net just 2:18 into the contest, but the score was negated by an offsides call. Drew Vanasse flicked home a long free kick from Ryan Malone, but the referee and linesman got together after the play to negate the tally.

Brandeis controlled the game statistically, outshooting Springfield, 13-5 overall and 3-0 in shots on goal. They also earned 11 corner kicks to three for the hosts and drew 10 fewer fouls (19-9). For all their efforts, the Judges were unable to pull ahead until the late going. Junior forward Sam Ocel (No. Attleboro, Mass./No. Attleboro) made a run down the right side and dribbled into the box. His cross through the six-yard box skipped to a wide-open Russo, who potted his team-leading sixth goal of the season and his second game-winner.

Junior goalkeeper Blake Minchoff (Fiskdale, Mass./Tantasqua Regional) was untested in earning his eighth shutout of the season thanks to the stout defense by seniors Ari Silver (Princeton, N.J./Princeton), David McCoy (Weymouth, Mass./Catholic Memorial School), Ben Applefield (Avon, Conn./Avon) and Robbie Lynch (Weymouth, Mass./Weymouth). Brett Bascomb made two stops for Springfield in the losing effort.

Brandeis returns to action on Monday evening at 7 p.m. against Lasell College in their final non-conference game of the season.