Box Score WILLIMANTIC, Conn. – Senior midfielder Shawn DaCruz (Ludlow, MA) made his first goal of the season a game-winner as Western New England rallied for a 2-1 overtime victory over Eastern Connecticut Wednesday afternoon (Oct.5) in a battle of two of the top men's soccer teams in the region at Thomas Nevers Field.

DaCruz, who had taken only two attempts in nine prior outings, netted his winning shot just 32 seconds into the extra session with an assist from senior midfielder Corey Howard (Hopedale, MA).

This was the fifth one-goal decision (all by identical 2-1 scores) of the season for Western New England who is now 10-2-1. The Golden Bears entered the match ranked eighth in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division III New England poll.

The Warriors, ranked sixth in the region, took a 1-0 lead on a goal by junior midfielder Carl Stensland (Storrs, CT) in the 44th minute as junior forward Matt Furman (Montville, CT) earned the assist.

WNE knotted the contest on a goal by senior midfielder Shawn Fitzpatrick (Burnt Hills, NY) in the 52nd minute. Senior midfielder Eric Marcelino (Farmington, CT) had the assist.
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There was a playoff type atmosphere in the match as both sides kept one another off the board for the final 39 minutes, 53 seconds of regulation.

Shots attempts were also at a premium with Western New England having a slight 8-6 advantage in the category.

Western New England sophomore goalkeeper Domenick Villano (Bronxville, NY) made two saves to raise his record to 8-1. Senior Carl Appel (West Windsor, NJ) had one stop for ECSU who drops to 7-3-1.

WNE's two goals were the first allowed by Eastern Connecticut in six home matches this season. The Golden Bears (Commonwealth Coast )and Warriors (Little East) are currenly in first place in their respective conferences.

Contact: Ken Cerino, Western New England athletic communications director (413) 782-1227
kcerino@wne.edu