Lancers Pick Up Key Victory Against Falcons

Worcester MA - The Worcester State Men's Soccer team was looking for their first win of the season as they hosted MASCAC rival Fitchburg State on John F. Coughlin field this afternoon. The questionable weather of the week held off to leave the match chilly but clear on the field as each team battled for the advantage in the game.

Both teams started slow as they worked to get a feel of their opponent, but as the game progressed the intensity on both sides of the ball continued to rise. Senior Andy Ramirez (Waltham, Mass) was back in net for the Lancers and was a continual vocal presence helping to direct the defensive pressure around the field. He finished the first half with a few big saves to keep the Falcons off the board and see the first 45 end with each tema unable to find the back of net, though the Lancers did have a near put away off the foot of senior Luke Anu (Salem, MA), when he sent a ball sailing over Fitchburg's goalkeeper Luke Speers (Collegeville,PA), but the ball hit the underside of the cross bar bouncing on the line in the field of play, preventing the goal.  

The second half of the match started slow but with an undercurrent of intensity and desire rushing around the turf as both teams were initially unable to convert on numerous chances. This waiting game held until the Lancers struck first blood with a redemption goal from Anu, halfway through the second. Approximately 10 minutes later Worcester State would double the lead with a goal from senior Manny Ramirez (Waltham,Mass), with an assist by junior Mal Hawkins (Berkely,CA). This was nearly the Lancers fifth goal of the game but a second post shot of the game, just minutes before goal number two clanged wide of the action.  Ramirez would then add to his tally by converting a penalty kick with 5 minutes remaining in the matchup to seal the win for the Lancers.

Ramirez would wrap up the match with four saves in the shut out, while the Lancers recorded eight shots on goal.

With this victory, Worcester State improves to (1-4-3, 1-2), and will host cross-town rivals Clark University on Tuesday at 7pm. Fitchburg State now sits at (2-6-2, 0-2-1) and is back in action on Wednesday when they take on Nichols College