Kato’s Late Goal Forces Tie with Western New England

Springfield, Mass. – Framingham State University freshman Suhairu Kato (Lowell, MA) scored a game tying goal with ten seconds remaining in regulation to save the Rams from defeat in a non-conference matchup with Western New England University Wednesday afternoon. The game was officially called a draw after the teams played two scoreless overtime periods.  The Golden Bears are now 5-2-1 on the season while the visiting Rams stand at 2-2-1.

With the game knotted at 1-apiece in the 104th minute, WNE had the best chance to win it but sophomore Ryan Dickinson's penalty kick driven low was saved by sophomore Jacob Nichols (Strubridge, MA/ Tantasqua), who dove to his right to get his hand on the ball.

Kato forced overtime for Framingham with just 10 seconds left in regulation when he collected a loose ball off a scramble and shot a left-footed blast from a sharp angle that went off the hands of sophomore keeper Kevin Strobel and into the back of the net.

Sophomore Kory Caster had given the Golden Bears a 1-0 lead in the 59th minute on a nice combination play from freshman Jordan Martins and sophomore Alan Haberern, who were credited with assists.

The Golden Bears took twenty-one shots and were called for eleven fouls. The Rams made nineteen attempts on net and were called for eleven fouls, including three yellow cards.

The Rams return to action on Saturday, Sept. 20th when they open up conference play at Bridgewater State slated for noon.

*Portions of release courtesy of Western New England sports information