Springfield, Mass. (September 4, 2021) – The Western New England men's soccer team picked up their first win of the season on Saturday afternoon in their home opener as they were able to defeat the visiting Cougars of Clark University 2-1 behind Mike Milazzo's first career tally in a Golden Bears uniform. 

Records:

• Western New England: 1-0-1
• Clark University: 1-1

How it Happened: 

The Clark University Cougars started the first half off with a shot that just was denied by GK Brady Allen, who makes his second consecutive start for Western New England. After the quick start from Clark, WNE responded with two shots of their own, though they were gloved down by GK Andrew DiStefano for the Cougars. Western New England would tally just before the 15  minute mark of the contest when Malik Serriser found twine. Off a corner kick that was awarded to Western New England, the Cougars attempted a heading clear that did not make it outside of the box before Serriser headed the ball back where it came from and past the dive of DiStefano and into the back of the cage. Serriser collects his first career collegiate goal with the Golden Bears, giving them a 1-0 advantage. 

It did not take the Cougars long to rally back and answer with a goal of their own as just three minutes later, Clark would tie the contest at one all. Clark's Alex Maiorano took seize at a loose ball just outside of the box and took two dribbles before taking a shot on WNE's aggressive keeper. Maiorano's chip shot attempt found the back of the goal to put Clark even with Western New England. Maiorano nets his ninth career goal for the Cougars. 

At the half, WNE and Clark were even on shots as both teams collected seven a piece. WNE took five shots on goal with Clark's goalkeeper Andrew DiStefano coming up with four saves, while Clark took three shots on goal. Brady Allen came away with two first half saves. WNE and Clark both took one corner kick each in the first frame. 

Western New England looked to capitalize early in the second half, and they were able to get another first collegiate goal tally. Mike Milazzo was able to dribble into space, forcing the Clark defenders to stay back. Milazzo took an aggressive approach and took a strike from just inside the box, sending the ball into the lower right corner of the net to give the Golden Bears the 2-1 lead. For Milazzo, he picks up his first career goal in a Golden Bears uniform. 

Western New England and Clark University would exchange shots heading down the stretch of the game. Late in the contest, the Cougars got their best chance to tally to tie the game. Anyolo Makatiani received the ball from just outside the box and made an attempt towards goal. Makatiani took a right foot shot that was stopped and caught by GK Brady Allen, preserving the victory for Western New England. The Cougars were unable to get any shots towards goal in the final minute, giving Western New England their first win of the season.

Inside the Lines: 

• Clark University took 17 shots in the contest, three more than WNE who collected seven in both halves. 
• Malik Serriser and Mike Milazzo each tallied their first career goals for the Golden Bears in the win. Milazzo's tally in the 52^nd minute proved to be the game winner for Western New England. 
• GK Brady Allen was tested six times in the second half for the Golden Bears and made all six saves. Andrew DiStefano came up with two out of three possible saves in the second half for Clark. 
• The Golden Bears took the slight edge in corner kicks, collecting four to Clark's three. 

Next on the Schedule:

• The Golden Bears will remain at home as they take on the Westfield State Owls on Wednesday, September 8 at 4:00 pm. 
• The Cougars will have a quick turnaround Sunday afternoon as they travel to Castleton University in a matchup with the Spartans at 1:00 pm.