WORCESTER --
Nikolas Previte (Andover, MA) scored the game-winning goal and
Savio Ketnouvong (Worcester, MA) made four saves to help WPI men's soccer earn a 1-0 victory over Clark Saturday afternoon at H. Carr Field. Previte found the back of the net in the 16th minute, with
Michael Montabana (Jamison, PA) providing the assist.
The Engineers improve to 1-4-5 overall and 1-0-2 in NEWMAC play, and along with nationally-ranked Babson and MIT, are the only teams unbeaten in the conference. The Cougars fall to 3-5-3 overall and 1-2-1 in conference action.
WPI broke through at 15:53 when Montabana sent a long ball forward to Previte, who finished with a shot into the bottom-left corner of the net to give the Crimson and Gray a 1-0 advantage. The Engineers earned five corner kicks in the opening half and forced
Jaime Pedraza (Bayamon, Puerto Rico) to make a save on a Montabana attempt in the 28th minute. WPI carried its one-goal lead into halftime.
The Engineers looked to add to their advantage after the break, creating several opportunities in the second half. Montabana tested Pedraza in the 62nd minute, and Previte had a header saved in the 69th minute.
Adin Pezo (Everett, MA) put two shots on target in the 77th and 79th minutes, but Pedraza turned aside both attempts to keep Clark within striking distance. Ketnouvong and the WPI defense held firm as the Cougars pressed for an equalizer in the closing minutes.
Ketnouvong finished with four saves, all coming in the second half, to record the shutout for WPI. Pedraza made five saves for Clark, including one in the opening half and four after the break.
WPI finished with a 15-14 advantage in shots and a 10-4 edge in corner kicks. The Engineers also held a 6-4 advantage in shots on goal. Previte recorded two shots, both on target, while Montabana finished with four shots and two shots on goal. Pezo added two shots, both on target.
Owen Bergin (Newburgh, NY) led Clark with four shots, including one on goal.
The Engineers wrap up their two-game homestand Wednesday when they welcome Salem State for a 4pm matchup. Clark also hosts Western New England at 7pm Wednesday evening for Senior Night.
