Whitson's Late Goal Propels Men's Soccer Past Southern Maine, 1-0

Worcester, MA--- Junior Brendan Whitson (Auburn, MA) scored a goal in the 83rd minute to help lift Worcester State to a 1-0 triumph over Southern Maine in non-conference men's soccer action this afternoon at Coughlin Field.

The Lancers (1-2) had numerous scoring chances in the first half, but was unable to capitalize and get the ball past senior keeper Jeremy Turner (Portland, ME) who had a solid period stopping all six shots that he saw in net for the Huskies.

In the 27th minute the Blue and Gold had a great opportunity to get on the board when freshman Shane Fraga (Ludlow, MA) headed a great cross off a corner kick just outside the right post.

Just six minutes later, senior DJ Gustafson (Webster, MA) gave the Lancers a great look from 20 yards out when he crossed over the defense and shot a bullet toward the left corner where Turner had to lay out making a great full extension save to keep the game scoreless.

The Blue and Gold held a 10-4 advantage in shots going into the intermission and also led in corners, 4-0.

Southern Maine opened the second half with a great scoring chance in the 57th minute.

Sophomore Mazen Aljari (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) went streaking up the middle of the field after a loose ball on a breakaway, but freshman net minder Nick Zucco (Ludlow, MA) came out of net to make a great slide tackle to knock the ball away at the 35-yard line.

In the 73rd minute Aljari had another bid, but this time he chipped a shot toward the short side post from point blank range only to see Zucco make a diving stab to keep the score knotted up at zero.

With just over seven minutes remaining in the contest, junior Alex Wolfel (Unionville, CT) spotted a streaking Whiston and hit him in stride with a long pass. Whitson then outran a defender and unleashed a laser to beat Turner far side right for the eventual game winning mark.

Turner finished the game tallying 11 saves while Zucco added four stops for the Lancers.

Worcester State finished with the 19-8 edge in shots and the 7-2 lead in corner kicks.

Story by John Hanna – Sports Information Graduate Assistant