Worcester, MA --- Megan O'Leary (Whitman, MA)
and Danielle Clifford (Attleboro, MA) scored goals
less than five minutes apart midway through the second half to
spark visiting Worcester State to a 2-1 victory over WPI in a
non-conference women's soccer match-up on Wednesday evening.
With the win, the Lancers improve to 2-2-1 while the Engineers fall
to 1-5 on the season.
Both teams had great scoring opportunities in the scoreless
first half. Worcester State freshman Carolyn
Hassett (Charlton, MA) shot the ball from six yards out
directly at WPI keeper Maddie Willer (Penfield,
NY), who made the save at 20:05. In the 39th minute
Megan Forti (Lynn, MA) took a free kick from the
top of the box that lifted just over the crossbar for WPI's
best chance.
The Lancers lit up the scoreboard in the 61st minute when
O'Leary scored on a nifty cross from Brianne
Beckman (Lakeville, MA) to sneak the ball by Willer from
six yards out. Less than five minutes later WSU added another
tally by Clifford, who placed the ball in the net from just outside
the 18-yard box after a dish from Gaby Gonet
(Agawam, MA).
WPI climbed back in the contest at 81:39 as Forti blasted the
ball into the top right of the goal after receiving a pass from
Tori Howland (Red Hook, NY).
Rachael Armenti (West Boylston, MA) earned the
win by stopping two shots, while Willer made three saves on the
evening. The Lancers outshot the Engineers 10-7 and held a
6-3 advantage in corner kicks.
WPI ventures to Wheaton on Saturday at noon to begin NEWMAC
play. Worcester State heads to North Adams that same day to start
MASCAC action with a 1pm showdown with
MCLA.
Story by Mark Therrien - WPI Athletics
