Gorham, ME --- Highlighted by the first goals of the season by junior Derek Kareta (Ludlow, MA), senior Dan Goodine (Dracut, MA) and classmate Derek Alves (Ludlow, MA), Worcester State defeated Southern Maine, 4-1, in non-conference men's soccer action this afternoon.

The win was the first of the season for the Lancers who are now 1-1-3 overall.  The Huskies remain winless on the season at 0-5-1.

The Blue and Gold raced out to a 3-0 lead in the opening 30 minutes to effectively take control of the match. 

Wolfel opened the scoring in the fifth minute converting a pass from classmate Jake Denver (E. Longmeadow, MA) into his team-leading fifth goal of the season.

Kareta made it 2-0 in the 25th minute when his shot from the top of the penalty area found its way past USM rookie goalkeeper Matthew Willis (Standish, ME).  Senior Brian Cormier (Hudson, MA) picked up the assist.

In the 30th minute, Goodine tallied when his long service into the box was misplayed.

Southern Maine got a spark in the 41st minute as junior Nat LeBlanc (Cumberland, ME) played a long ball out of the back to sophomore Michael Daniel (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).  Daniel got the ball under control inside the box and beat WSU sophomore keeper Nick Zucco (Ludlow, MA) before the Lancer defense could react.

Alves delivered the only goal of the second half for either squad when he converted a set piece service from the right side by Denver.

Willis split the goalkeeping chores with classmate Adam Verreault (Poland, ME) as each played a half and they recorded five saves apiece. Zucco did not have to register a save as the Lancers rolled up a 27-7 advantage in shots.

Worcester State travels to Keene State for a non-conference clash under the lights on Wednesday at 6:30 while Southern Maine hosts Thomas in a non-league encounter on Tuesday at 4 PM.

Major Portions of Release Courtesy of Southern Maine Sports Information