Springfield’s Second Half Outburst Sinks Men’s Soccer, 4-0

Framingham, Mass. – The Framingham State University men's soccer team was blanked, 4-0, by Springfield on Wednesday in a non-conference match played at Maple Street Field.

Springfield, currently receiving votes in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/Continental Tire NCAA Division III Men's New England poll, claimed a 1-0 advantage in the 21st minute as senior Michael Fowler (Maynard, Mass.) eluded a defender with a nifty move for his second of the year. Classmate Scott Saucier (Derry, N.H.) sent a pass to his classmate to help setup the strike. Framingham State had a great chance to net the equalizer in the 38th minute but rookie Gil Mendes' (Framingham, Mass.) close range attempt went wide. The opening half saw the Pride outshoot the hosts 7-3 and take all 10 corner kicks.

The guests tacked on three more tallies in the second half courtesy of two goals by senior Danny Amato (Newington, Conn.) and one by classmate Drew Vanasse (Concord, Mass.). Fellow seniors John Mankus (Vernon, Conn.) and Ryan Malone (Chicopee, Mass.) helped Amato strike from the left side at 50:43 and 53:05, respectively. Amato went on to add an assist on the final tally of the day as he dished the ball to Vanasse for a laser to the left side of the net at 56:19. The Rams only shot on goal in the game came in the 87th minute as freshman Gui Chaves (Framingham, Mass.) was stopped by freshman goalkeeper Zach Richard (Millbury, Mass.). Each team was limited to one corner kick in the second half while Springfield held an 8-5 margin in shots.

Richard (6-2) and sophomore starting backstop Billy Schmid (Wethersfield, Conn.) shared the clean sheet as Richard stopped the only Framingham State shot of the match. Junior goalkeeper William Levitsky (Westford, Mass.) shouldered the setback (0-2) and combined with freshman Jacob Nichols (Sturbridge, Mass.) to collect four saves. Junior Mark Bamford (Ludlow, Mass.) added a team save for the Rams as he stopped a shot by Amato in the 12th minute.

Framingham State (2-9) steps back into Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) as the Rams continue a four-match homestand with a 2 p.m. contest versus MCLA. Springfield (9-2) hosts WPI for a 1 p.m. New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) tilt, also on Saturday.