SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Western New England University men's soccer team scored twice in the second half to earn a 2-0 victory over Wentworth Institute of Technology on Friday afternoon at Suprenant Field. Including a top-notch finish from Lucas Ritson.
Records:
Western New England: 2-3-3, 1-1-1 CNE
Wentworth Institute of Technology: 4-4-1, 1-2-0 CNE
How It Happened:
First Half
- The Golden Bears and Leopards battled through a scoreless opening 45 minutes, with both teams creating opportunities but neither able to find the back of the net.
- Wentworth generated nine shots in the opening half, putting two on frame, while Western New England recorded seven shots and two shots on goal.
- Brendan L'Italien made two saves during the opening half to keep the Leopards off the scoreboard.
- Western New England's best opportunities came late in the half, as Marcus Joshi and Evan Schultz each put shots toward goal. Wentworth goalkeeper Kieran Gorgenyi turned aside both attempts.
- The teams entered halftime tied 0-0.
Second Half
- Western New England broke through in the 57th minute when Owen Dieterle found the back of the net, giving the Golden Bears a 1-0 advantage.
- The Golden Bears continued to apply pressure following the opening goal, with Ben Riley forcing a save from Gorgenyi less than a minute later.
- Western New England doubled its lead in the 70th minute when Lucas Ritson scored a scissor kick goal off an assist from Andrew Macca, pushing the advantage to 2-0.
- L'Italien and the Golden Bear defense kept Wentworth off the scoreboard despite several second-half opportunities. L'Italien recorded three saves after halftime and finished with five saves for the shutout.
- Western New England finished the second half with a 10-6 edge in shots and held on for the 2-0 victory.
Key Performances:
- Owen Dieterle scored the opening goal in the 57th minute, recording one goal on two shots.
- Lucas Ritson added the insurance goal in the 70th minute, finishing with one goal on two shots.
- Andrew Macca provided the assist on Ritson's goal.
- Brendan L'Italien made five saves to earn the shutout in goal.
- Tyler Lewis led the Golden Bears with five shots, including two shots on goal.
- Jake Thibodeau recorded one shot on goal, while Nick Adzima and Saif Shaker each added one shot on target.
- Western New England finished with a 17-15 advantage in shots and put nine shots on goal compared to five for Wentworth. The Golden Bears also held a 4-2 edge in corner kicks.
Up Next:
The Golden Bears return to action Tuesday, September 29, traveling to the United States Coast Guard Academy for a 6 p.m. contest in New London, Connecticut.