FRAMINGHAM, Mass. - The Worcester State University men's soccer team saw its 2019 season come to a disappointing end on Friday evening, falling to Framingham State University 2-0 in the Semifinals of the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament at Maple Street Field.
With the loss, Worcester State's season ends with a record of 9-10-1. Framingham advances to the MASCAC Championship on Sunday at 12 p.m.
Framingham State dominated the play in the first half, outshooting the Lancers by a margin of 17-2. The Rams opened the scoring in the 30th minute when Bryce Nardizzi curled a free kick around a Worcester State wall and into the net for a 1-0 lead. Just 2:37 later, Gustavo Cassemiro headed home a Dante Mancini crossed to double the Ram lead to 2-0, which would hold until the teams went to the locker room for the half.
Worcester State had a handful of chances in the second half, but Framingham keeper Corey Davidge came up huge for the Rams. In the 62nd minute, Liren Halle (Arlington, Texas) had a glorious opportunity to put the visitors on the board, but Davidge leaped to keep the ball out of the top of the cage.
In the 80th minute, Iljant Cenolli (Korce, Albania) had a sparkling opportunity of his own from in close, but Davidge deflected the shot off the crossbar and out of danger.
Worcester State outshot the Rams 12-10 in the second half, and 10-3 in shots on target, but couldn't solve Davidge, who finished with a 12-save shutout.
Senior goalkeeper Henri Guilmette (Franklin, Mass.) made eight saves for Worcester State to keep the game within striking distance, including all three shots he faced in the second half.
#WooMSOC