WORCESTER, Mass. - The Worcester State University men's soccer team earned its first win of the 2019 season on Wednesday night, defeating Rhode Island College 3-1 in non-conference action at John F. Coughlin Memorial Field.
With the win, Worcester State improves to 1-2-0 on the season, while Rhode Island College suffers its first loss to drop to 1-1-0.
Worcester State got on the board early in the contest, as freshman Hamza Shakir (Worcester, Mass.) put home a rebound for the first Lancer goal of the season. Iljant Cenolli (Korce, Albania) was credited with an assist on the tally.
The Lancers doubled their lead right before the half, as junior Liren Halle (Arlington, Texas) curled in a beautiful free kick from just outside the top of the 18-yard box, putting the Lancers up 2-0 heading into the break.
Senior Ethan Melia (Shrewsbury, Mass.) added some insurance for Worcester State, scoring his first goal of the season in the 54th minute. The forward got on the end of an Alfred Koroma (Millbury, Mass.) corner kick, heading the ball past the Rhode Island College keeper for a 3-0 lead.
Freshman Joseph Scolaro (Bristol, R.I.) ended Worcester State's clean sheet in the 84th minute, scoring off a Ricardo Benitez (Cumberland, R.I.) free kick to give the Anchormen their only goal of the match.
Senior Henri Guilmette (Franklin, Mass.) made seven saves to earn his first win of the season. Rhode Island College's Charlie Tashjian (West Warwick, R.I.) took the loss, despite making four saves.
Despite the loss, Rhode Island College outshot Worcester State 16-11 in the contest.
The Lancers will be back in action on Friday night at Coughlin Field as they host Western New England University for a 7 p.m. kick off.
#WooMSOC