Worcester State Slips Past Men’s Soccer 1-0
Framingham, Mass. – The Worcester State University men's soccer team scored the game's only goal in the 28th minute as the Lancers defeated Framingham State University 1-0 this afternoon in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action at Maple Street Field.
The Lancers improve to 2-0 in the conference and 3-2-1 overall after the victory, while the Rams slip to 1-8 overall and 0-2 in the MASCAC
Worcester State struck for the game's only goal in the 28th minute of a scoreless game. Senior Alex Wolfel (Unionville, Conn.) sent a through ball to senior Brendan Whitson (Auburn, Mass.) behind the Rams defense. Whitson beat the Framingham State keeper who had come off the line with a well placed shot inside the far post.
The Lancers had a chance to add to their lead four minutes later when Whitson stole the ball from a Ram defender and broke towards the net one on one with the goalkeeper. Framingham State keeper Kiko Anzoategui (Peabody, Mass.) made a diving stop on Whitson's bid to keep the score 1-0 in favor of the visitors.
Worcester State had another chance in the opening minutes of the second half to extend their lead. Junior Derek Kareta (Ludlow, Mass.) had a clean look at the net, but his attempt rolled just wide of the post.
Framingham's best chance for the equalizer came in the 60th minute. Senior Ryan Boughter (Rockland, Mass.) launched a direct kick from near midfield that deflected off the head of a Lancer defender, hit the cross bar and was cleared away. Not long after, freshman Akram Ndamba (Framingham, Mass.) slipped behind the Lancer defense and was breaking alone towards the goal. WSU goalkeeper Nick Zucco (Ludlow, Mass.) came off his line and made a sliding play to knock the ball away from Ndamba before he could get off a shot.
The Lancers outshot the Rams 16-13 in the game and held a 6-5 edge in corner kicks. Zucco recorded the shutout victory making five saves, while Anzoategui made eight stops for the Rams.
The Rams are back in action on Wednesday for a non-conference game at home against Connecticut College beginning at 3:30 p.m., while the Lancers host Elms College on Tuesday for a 4 p.m. contest.