Men's Soccer Toppled In Overtime By Rhode Island College, 2-1

Providence, RI --- A goal by senior Emmanuel Asiedu (Lincoln, RI) in the 93rd minute was the game-winner as the Rhode Island College men's soccer team came from behind to defeat Worcester State, 2-1, in overtime on Wednesday night at the RIC Soccer Field.

A defensive first half saw each side produce just one shot and one save, respectively.

In the second frame, the pressure rose until the 57th minute when WSU (1-2) freshman Andre Ipojuca (Saugus, MA) broke the drought and put the Lancers up one to nil. A long ball up the right side from junior Alfred Sogja (Shkoder, Albania/Doherty) to sophomore Steven Julius (Ashby, MA) was controlled and crossed to Ipojuca who potted it in the back of the net for his first collegiate strike.

Worcester State looked to be in control until a red card in the box in the 88th minute led to a RIC penalty kick.

After a furious scrum, RIC junior forward Kevin Arboleda (Pawtucket, RI) whirled in the box and ripped a shot that hit a Worcester State defender off the hand by the right post.  Junior Jose Zarraga (Providence, RI) calmly stepped up for the subsequent penalty kick and drove the ball past junior keeper Tim Schmidt (Southwick, MA) to even up the contest.

In the 93rd minute, following a rare back-pass rule infraction, the Anchormen were granted an indirect kick within the 18-yard box. Arboleda started the play with a quick tap of the ball and Asiedu drove a low, left-footed shot, which curled into the far side netting for the victory.

RIC freshman goalie Adam Ghazal (Pawtucket, RI) stopped four of five shots in the victory as Schmidt recorded four saves in the loss.

In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will play at Roger Williams on Saturday in a 1 o'clock  affair while Worcester State heads to Trinity (CT) on Sunday at 2 PM.

Full Release Courtesy of Rhode Island College Sports Information