SALEM, Mass. – The Worcester State University men's soccer team defeated Salem State 2-1 on Saturday afternoon to end the Vikings' conference unbeaten-streak at 13 games (12-0-1) that spanned over the last two seasons.
Ethan Melia (Shrewsbury, Mass.) scored a goal and added an assist to help the Lancers improve to 5-6-2 on the year and 3-1-1 in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC). The Vikings are now 10-2-1 on the season and 3-1-1 in the conference.
In the fifth minute, Melia crossed the ball to Gift Kalombo (Worcester, Mass.) for a shot that found the ride side of the net.
In the 21st minute, Bryan Brasil (Williamsburg, Mass.) took a corner for a Melia goal. Melia headed the ball low, just under Christopher Jimenez's (Nashua, N.H.) reach.
Worcester State's defense was able to keep the Vikings scoreless in the first half, limiting them to only two shots.
The game was still locked at 2-0 until the 85th minute. Gabriel Meireles (Everett, Mass.) curved a shot from 25 yards out over Henri Guilmette (Franklin, Mass.) to put the Vikings on the board.
With two minutes remaining in regulation, Joao DeSouza (Lowell, Mass.) headed the ball from five yards out, but his shot was too high and deflected off the crossbar. Salem State had opportunities to even the score including five corners in the second half, but couldn't find the back of the net.
For Worcester State, Guilmette saved six shots for the game. Jimenez of the Vikings saved a total of three shots.
Salem State looks to bounce back against Pine Manor at home on Wednesday, while the Lancers travel to Western New England on Wednesday for a non-conference matchup.
#LancerNation
Release courtesy of Salem State Sports Information.