Box Score Box Score

Henry Schowerer

Kohtaro Shimada

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Sophomore forward Jake Bartnik (East Longmeadow, MA) scored both goals, including the game-winner in the 64th minute, as the Western New England men's soccer team defeated Westfield State 2-1 in an opening round match of the Springfield College Invitational Saturday afternoon (Sept. 3) at the Irv Schmid Complex.

The Golden Bears (2-0) will meet host Springfield in the championship match at 2:15 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 4). The Pride posted a similar 2-1 victory over Johnson & Wales in the first match.

The Owls, who were playing their season opener, took an early 1-0 lead on a goal by senior midfielder Justin Laliberte (Easthampton, MA) with an assist from junior midfielder Jon Principato (Stoneham, MA) just 6:06 into the contest. Bartnik evened the score a short time later with a goal in the 10th minute.

Both sides kept each other off the board for almost 54 minutes before Bartnik delivered his winning shot.

Junior goalkeeper Nick Starr (Somers, CT) made three saves for Western New England while senior Jeff Pepoli (Ashburnham, MA) turned away 10 attempts.

Western New England held a 17-12 advantage in shots; Westfield held a 4-2 edge in corner kicks.

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