Men’s Soccer Opens Conference Action with 4-2 Victory over Worcester State

Framingham, Mass. – Junior forward Henrique DaSilva (Framingham, Mass.) recorded a goal and an assist en route to receiving the 2012 Peter J. Heffernan Jr. Award as the Framingham State University men's soccer team defeated Worcester State University 4-2 this afternoon in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action at Maple Street Field.    

With the win, the Rams improve to 1-3-1 on the year and 1-0 in the MASCAC, while the Lancers fall to 1-4 overall and 0-1 in the conference.

The Peter J. Heffernan Jr. Award is given annually to a member of the men's soccer team for outstanding performance in a game.  Heffernan is a former FSU men's soccer player and alum who tragically passed away in 2005 and the award has been given in his honor every year since.

Worcester State took the early lead with a goal on a corner just 3:29 into the game.  Junior Brian Cormier (Hudson, Mass.) sent the corner into the box and junior forward Brendan Whitson (Auburn, Mass.) deflected the ball into the net for his team leading 4^th goal of the season.

The Rams responded with a pair of goals late in the half to take the lead.  DaSilva sent a thru ball to senior Jepherson Cardoso (Framingham, Mass.) in the 35^th minute and Cardoso laid a shot into the back of the net.  DaSilva followed up with an unassisted tally in the 44^th minute after collecting a loose ball and firing it into the back of the net.

Worcester would knot the score in the 58^th minute as they converted off a corner once again.  This time junior Alex Wolfel (Unionville, CT) sent the ball in play and classmate Phillip Cepeda (Southbridge, Mass.) headed it home tying the game at 2-2.

The tie did not last long as just over a minute later the Rams tallied what would prove to be the game winner.  Sophomore Bryan DaSilva (Milford, Mass.) hit senior Bryan Damas (Milford, Mass.) with a pass and Damas made a spin move around a Lancer defender and laid a shot just inside the post for the game winner.

Senior back Will Menter (Haverhill, Mass.) added an insurance goal for the Rams in the 72^nd minute when he blasted a direct kick from 30 yards out for his first goal of the season.

Senior Sam Yoder (Southbridge, Mass.) made 10 saves for the Rams and picked up the victory in net, while freshman Nick Zucco (Ludlow, Mass.) made nine stops in a losing effort.

The Rams return to action on Wednesday afternoon when they host Wesleyan at 4 p.m., while the Lancers host Keene State on Wednesday at 7 p.m.