WORCESTER -- Salem State, ranked sixth in the United Soccer Coaches Region II poll, scored once in each half Wednesday afternoon to defeat WPI men's soccer, 2-0, at H. Carr Field. The Vikings improved to 11-1-1, earning their 11th victory of the season to lead all New England Division III teams in wins.
WPI dropped to 1-5-5 overall following the setback. The Engineers return to action Saturday at 7pm at Springfield, while Salem State hosts Worcester State for a 1pm Saturday matchup.
Salem State broke through in the 37th minute when
Anthony Oliveira-Dalicandro (Newton, MA) scored on an unassisted strike from approximately 20 yards out following a foul. The Vikings carried the 1-0 advantage into halftime after holding a 6-4 edge in shots during the opening 45 minutes. WPI put four shots toward goal in the first half and earned all four of its corner kicks before the break, but Salem State goalkeeper
Thomas Youden (London, England) kept the Engineers off the scoreboard.
The visitors added an insurance goal in the 58th minute.
Jadiel Bomfim (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) finished a cross from
Jose Joj (Chelsea, MA) with a diving header to push the Salem State lead to 2-0. WPI generated three shots after halftime, while Salem State continued to test the Engineers' defense with seven second-half attempts.
Youden finished with four saves to record the shutout for Salem State. WPI split its goalkeeping duties, with
Brendan Ross (Winchester, MA) making one save in the first half and
Connor Piper (East Lyme, CT) recording three saves after the break. The Engineers combined for four saves.
Salem State finished with a 13-7 advantage in shots and a 6-4 edge in shots on goal. The Vikings also held a 6-4 advantage in corner kicks.
Michael Montabana (Jamison, PA) led WPI with two shots, while
Alan Barretto (Exeter, NH) also recorded two attempts. Salem State was paced by
Landon Picillo (Warwick, RI) and
David Alas (East Boston, MA), who each recorded three shots.
