Cormier Lifts Men's Soccer To 1-0 Triumph Over Salem State
Worcester, MA --- Freshman Brian Cormier notched the decisive goal on an assist from Eric Figueiredo in a 1-0 victory over Salem State this evening in MASCAC men's soccer action. The Lancers ended a 13-game drought against conference opponents that dated back to the end of the 2008 season.
Worcester, MA --- Freshman Brian Cormier (Hudson, MA) netted the game-winning marker on a cross from the left side of the net from senior Eric Figueiredo (Shrewsbury, MA) to help lead the Worcester State to a 1-0 triumph over Salem State in MASCAC men's soccer action this afternoon.
With the win the Blue and Gold end a five game drought to improve their record to 4-12 and 1-5 in the conference while the Vikings slip to 6-5-3 and 4-2 overall in league play.
With tonight's win the Lancers end a 13-game winless streak against MASCAC opponents as they were previously winless this year and went 0-5-2 during their 2009 campaign. Their last victory against a conference team came in 2008 in a 1-0 home victory against Mass Maritime.
Salem State had a 10-2 edge in shots (3-0 on goal), but the two teams were scoreless at the intermission. Towards the end of the opening stanza Worcester State nearly had the 1-0 lead, but a goal was taken away as the player who scored the goal was called for a foul to get past the SSU defender.
After the break, Worcester State buckled down on defense and kept the Vikings on their own side of the field. Cormier's first career marker would help give the home team a boost in the 67th minute.
Salem State had a great opportunity to knot the score with 10 minutes remaining in regulation as junior Juan Panameno (Revere, MA) broke through the Lancer back line, but junior keeper Evan Wilga (Dudley, MA) was right there to make the stop.
The visitors held a 17-5 edge in shots and a 5-1 lead in corners (4-0 in second half).
Wilga stopped six shots in his fourth shutout of the season while sophomore Scott Hall (Waltham, MA) was only called upon to make one save.
Figueiredo and senior reserve keeper Fred Groos (Floral Park, NY) were both recognized for playing in their final home game.
Worcester State will play their season finale against Fitchburg State next Saturday at 12 PM while the Vikings will travel to Southern Maine for a 3:30 game on Tuesday.