Men's Soccer Blanks Cross-Town Rival WPI, 1-0 In Overtime

Worcester, MA --- Sophomore Alex Wolfel (Unionville, CT) scored the game-winning goal in the 96th minute to lift Worcester State to a 1-0 overtime triumph over WPI in non-conference men's soccer action this evening at Coughlin Field. 

With the win, the Lancers even out their record to 7-7-2 on the season while the Engineers fall to 9-6.

Wolfel's tally came on a free kick from 35-yards out on the right side of the field.  It was his team-leading sixth marker and 15th point of the year. He is now just three away from 25 for his career.

The Blue and Gold began the game with an excellent scoring opportunity in the 8th minute when freshman Michael Jordan (Ludlow, MA) made a shot from the top of the box that rung off the left post.

WPI tried to break the tie 14 minutes later when junior Jason Hopkins (Mendon, MA) connected with a header from a corner kick, but WSU senior Evan Wilga (Dudley, MA) made a tremendous stop on the bang-bang play. 

In the second half, the Crimson and Grey had two great scoring chances by senior Kyle Powers (Hamilton, NJ) and freshman Sam Russell (Glastonbury, CT) in the 76th and 82nd minutes, respectively, but Wilga turned both aside. 

Wofel also gave the Lancers an opportunity to break the stalemate in the 78th minute on a shot from the center that was scooped up by Boynton Hiller junior net-minder Stephen Allen (Pembroke, MA).

To start off the extra session, senior Kevin Ducharme (Bedford, NH) had a bid 53 seconds in that would have clinched the match on a long free kick, but Wilga read the strike and prevented it from going into the net. That would set the stage for Wolfel's heroics five minutes later.

Wilga made eight stops in the contest for his fourth shutout of the season (14th of career) while Allen gathered four saves. 

The crowd of 75 was treated to a physical display by both teams as they would combine for 37 fouls. One yellow card was handed out to the visitors. 

In the relatively even affair, WPI held the 16-11 advantage in shots and the 5-3 edge in corner kicks.

Both teams final regular season game will be against conference opponents on Saturday.  Worcester State will host MASCAC foe Fitchburg State at 2 PM and will honor their outgoing upperclassmen on "Senior Day." The Engineers will travel to NEWMAC rival Coast Guard for a 1 PM tilt. 

Release By Jim Sarkisian – Sports Information Intern