WORCESTER -- The WPI men's soccer team opened their 2023 campaign with a 1-1 draw against cross-town rivals Worcester State University on Friday evening at Coughlin Field.
 
The Engineers scored first after more than an hour had elapsed, but the home team found an equalizer with less than five minutes remaining. 
 
After a scoreless first half, WPI finally broke through in the 68th minute. Billy Chissoe (Gig Harbor, WA) netted the first goal of the year when he got on the end of a cross from Tora Ito (Hopkinton, MA).
 
Brendan Lower (Grafton, MA) scored in the 86th minute off a corner kick by Arthur Tome, as the Lancers finally put one past WPI goalie Julian Quaresima (East Meadow, NY), who made three saves.
 
Andy Ramirez (Park Ridge, MA) made eight stops for the home team, who were outshot 16-11, including 7-1 in the first half. Ramirez made four saves on each side of halftime.
 
The result keeps WPI unbeaten (3-0-2) in their last five against Worcester State. WPI had won the first three meetings between the two programs before a similar 1-1 tie one year ago today.  
 
WPI plays their second road game of the year on Sunday at noon when they face UMass Boston. The Lancers are off until next Wednesday when they host Husson at 5:00pm.
 
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