By Jen Toland, College Beat Writer
October 16, 2013
Worcester, MA --- In addition to being an All-State soccer player at Auburn High, Brendan Whitson was a pretty successful sprinter and long jumper for the Rockets, but a recent flashback to his track and field days wasn't such a good one.
The Worcester State senior forward tore his hamstring running track in high school, and in the Lancers' 2013 season opener, he re-aggravated the injury, causing him to miss three weeks.
Whitson returned to the lineup Sept. 21 against MCLA, and the Lancers are 5-1-1 since.
Whitson has at least one point in five of his last six starts, including his goal in Tuesday's 1-0 victory at UMass-Boston. In Worcester State's two games last week, he had three goals and an assist, production that earned him MASCAC Co-Player of the Week honors.
"I got back from the injury, and I'm just trying to get some momentum," Whitson said. "It's feeling better, and I'm just trying to get back in stride."
Whitson had two goals and an assist in a 4-1 win over Mass. Maritime, a victory that pushed the Lancers to the top spot in the MASCAC standings with a record of 3-0-1 at the halfway mark of their conference schedule.
With six goals and an assist on the season, Whitson is among Worcester State's leading scorers, but the Lancers (6-3-4 overall) have had key contributions from numerous players, including fellow Central Mass. products Brian Cormier of Hudson, who is tied for the MASCAC lead in assists, sophomore Alfred Sogja of Worcester and senior Phil Cepeda of Southbridge. Entering Tuesday, the Lancers led the MASCAC in goals (22) and assists (17) and were third in goals against average (1.24).
"Our coach (Jason Willis) has a vision for us," Whitson said, "an idea of what he wants us to do. Our team is coming together. We're looking pretty solid right now."
Whitson transferred to Worcester State after two years at Nichols. He helped the Bison to a Commonwealth Coast Conference title and NCAA Tournament berth as a freshman.
Whitson had no problem fitting in with the Lancers last year.
He led Worcester State in goals (9), assists (5) and points (23) and earned All-MASCAC first-team honors.
"The team was very welcoming," Whitson said. "They were excited to have me, and I was excited to be here."
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