Framingham, MA --- Senior Brendan Whitson (Auburn, MA) netted the only goal of the contest in the 28th minute as the Lancers defeated Framingham State 1-0 this afternoon in MASCAC men's soccer action at Maple Street Field.

The Lancers improve to 2-0 in the conference and 3-2-1 overall after the victory, while the Rams slip to 1-8 overall and 0-2 in the MASCAC.

Worcester State struck in the 28th minute of a scoreless game when senior Alex Wolfel (Unionville, CT) sent a through ball to Whitson behind the Rams defense. Whitson was able to beat the Framingham State keeper who had come off the line with a well placed shot inside the far post.

With his first marker of the campaign, Whitson became the 24th men's soccer player to join the 25 point club with 10 goals and five assists in one-plus seasons as a Lancer.

The Blue and Gold had a chance to add to their lead four minutes later when Whitson stole the ball from a Ram defender and broke towards the net one on one with the goalie.

However, Framingham State net minder Kiko Anzoategui (Peabody, MA) made a diving stop on Whitson's bid to keep the score 1-0 in favor of the visitors.

Worcester State had another chance in the opening minutes of the second half to extend their lead as junior Derek Kareta (Ludlow, MA) had a clean look at the net, but his attempt rolled just wide of the post.

Framingham's best chance for the equalizer came in the 60th minute when senior Ryan Boughter (Rockland, MA) launched a direct kick from near midfield that deflected off the head of a Lancer defender, hit the cross bar and was cleared away.  

Not long after, freshman Akram Ndamba (Framingham, MA) slipped behind the Lancer defense and was breaking alone towards the goal but, WSU goalkeeper Nick Zucco (Ludlow, MA) came off his line and made a sliding play to knock the ball away from Ndamba before he could get off a shot.

The Lancers outshot the Rams 16-13 in the game and held a 6-5 edge in corner kicks.  

Zucco recorded the shutout victory making five saves, while Anzoategui made eight stops for the Rams.

Framingham State is back in action on Wednesday for a non-conference game at home against Connecticut College beginning at 3:30 PM, while the Lancers host Elms College on Tuesday for a 4 PM contest.

Major Portions of Release Courtesy of Framingham State Sports Information

You can follow the Worcester State Lancers on Facebook and Twitter