SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Senior Dan Lawrence (Easthampton, MA) tallied the game-winner off a corner kick from sophomore Justin Martins (Ludlow, MA) in overtime as Western New England College defeated Clark University 2-1 in Sunday (Sept. 2) to capture its own WNEC Classic title.

Lawrence was voted the Classic Offensive MVP after netting the winning shot only 1:50 into the extra session. Senior Mike Stewart (Springfield, MA) and Martins were selected to the All-Tournament Team.

Clark (1-1) took a 1-0 lead on a goal by senior David Blum (Irvington, NY) just 5:22 into the match. Sophomore Devin Weafer (Carmel, NY) earned the assist.

The Golden Bears (2-0) knotted the match when Martins fired home a shot with assists from Stewart and junior Dale Totman (Conway, MA) in the 11th minute.

WNEC dominated action in the second half, but couldn't find the back of the net. Clark sophomore Charlie Sherman (Amston, CT) had a shot with 1:05 left in regulation sail over the net from about 15 yards out. Junior goalkeeper Peter Wise (Providence, RI) made a great save in the opening of overtime off a shot by WNEC junior Brian Dill (Portland, CT).

Clark senior Lino Goncalves (Newton, MA) was voted the Classic Defensive MVP while Wise and senior Marc Labbe (Waterville, ME) made the All-Tournament Team.

In the first match, Springfield (1-1) scored three unanswered goals in the second half for a 3-1 victory over Westfield State (0-2).

Senior Nick Gumlaw (Agawam, MA) gave the Owls a 1-0 lead in the 32nd minute before the Pride rallied after halftime.

Senior Tony Distasio (Burlington, CT) tied the contest in the 57th minute followed by the game-winning goal by senior Chad Bonnell (Hazlet, NJ) in the 70th minute. Distasio added an insurance goal in the 74th minute. He made the All-Tournament Team with classmate Michael Kilmartin (Waterford, NY).

Gumlaw and sophomore Ben Berthiaume (Swansea, MA) were the Westfield State players gaining All-Tournament recognition.

WNEC Classic

Sunday, September 2
Springfield 3, Westfield State 1
Western New England College 2, Clark 1 (ot)

Saturday, September 1
Western New England College 2, Springfield 1
Clark 4, Westfield State 1

Offensive MVP - Dan Lawrence (Western New England Colege)

Defensive MVP - Lino Goncalves (Clark)

All-Tournament Team - Mike Stewart (Western New England College), Justin Martins (Western New England College), Marc Labbe (Clark), Peter Wise (Clark), Tony Distasio (Springfield), Michael Kilmartin (Springfield), Nick Gumlaw (Westfield State), Ben Berthiaume (Westfield State).