Clark Defeats WPI 1-0 in NEWMAC Match-Up

Clark 1, WPI 0

Worcester, MA -- Lino Goncalves (Newton, MA) scored on a scramble in front of the WPI net midway through the first half to help Clark remained undefeated with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the host Engineers in NEWMAC men's soccer action on Saturday afternoon. Clark is now 8-0-1 overall and 3-0 in conference play while WPI falls to 5-3-1 and 1-1 in NEWMAC action.

Mike Trobagis (Acton, MA) was credited with an assist on the goal after his long throw-in deflected off the WPI goalkeeper and was deposited into the back of the net by Gonvalves.

WPI had several chances in the final 20 minutes but were stifled by Clark goalkeeper Matt Talbot (Harvard, MA), who made an outstanding save on a rocket off the foot of Ben Gilde (Manchester, NH) and stopped a pair of headers by Brandon Finzel (Northport, NY). Gilde also hit the crossbar with just under four minutes remaining.

On the afternoon, Talbot registered four saves while posting his seventh shutout in nine matches. As a team, the Cougars have allowed just two goals all season.

Freshman Steve Hoffer (South Glens Falls, NY) notched four saves in net for WPI. The Engineers got a key contribution from back Tommy Zajac (Merrimack, NH), who cleared the ball off the goal line early in the second half.

WPI is off until next Saturday when they travel to Babson for a key NEWMAC match-up at 1pm. Clark returns home for a non-conference match Wednesday with UMass-Boston at 6pm