Men's Soccer Shutout at Clark

Worcester, Mass. – Gianluca Ranallo (Scarsdale, N.Y.) had a goal and an assist as host Clark University topped Framingham State 2-0 in non-league men's soccer action on Wednesday evening.

With the win, the Cougars inch closer to .500 at 6-7, while the Rams see their four game winning streak come to an end and now sit at 5-5-2.

FSU had an excellent scoring chance in the game's first 15 minutes when senior Jepherson Cardoso (Framingham, Mass.) crossed a ball to sophomore Cory Cardeiro (Westport, Mass.) who had his shot sail just over the crossbar.

Clark had a chance in the 40th minute when goalkeeper Ryan King (Brimfield, Mass.) punted a ball that made it through the Ram defense and found a streaking Oscar Zapata (Lima, Peru) but his in-close shot sailed just to the left of the post.

The Cougars finally broke the ice moments later when Ranallo fired a shot that Framingham State netminder Sam Yoder (Southbridge, Mass.) was able to turn back, but Kenny Vera (Franklin Square, N.Y.) was able to pounce on the rebound. With Yoder out of place and Vera on the attack, he was taken down in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Ranallo converted the try for his second goal of the season, giving Clark a 1-0 lead at 42:58.

Moments after halftime, the Cougars had another great scoring opportunity when Akiba Davis (South Portland, Maine) sent a rocket that Yoder made a diving save to his left that kept the game close.

Clark eventually got their two-goal advantage courtesy of some fantastic passing. Ranallo and Vera setup Kent Vorland who sent a blast from just outside of the top of the box that went into the upper right hand corner at 61:51.

In the 84th minute the Rams had a free kick by Will Menter (Haverhill, Mass.) that looked to be headed for the back of the net but King was able to leap and deflect it over the crossbar and secure his eighth career shutout.

The Scarlet and White held a slight 15-14 edge in shots and a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks. Both King and Yoder made five saves in goal for their respective teams.

Clark and Framingham State will return to action on Saturday with the Cougars visiting NEWMAC rival WPI, while the Rams host Fitchburg State in MASCAC action.

Release courtesy of Clark Sports Information.