Keene, NH --- Keene State freshman Michael Jacques (Tolland, CT) buried a crossing ball from senior Kevin Gomes (Halifax, MA) just 43 seconds into overtime for his first collegiate goal to help give the Owls men's soccer team a dramatic, 2-1, non-conference win in overtime over Worcester State University at Owl Athletic Complex on Wednesday night.
It was the first time that Keene State (3-3-1) has scored more than one goal in a game this season and the first time the team has strung together two consecutive wins. Worcester State (2-3-1) saw its three game unbeaten streak come to an end.
Controlling play, Keene State had the best opportunity to get on the board in a scoreless first half. Set up in front at the left corner of the net, sophomore Bryce Lawlor (Naugatuck, CT) had his short-range shot stopped by Lancer senior Evan Wilga (Dudley, MA).
The Owls kept the pressure up in the second half with sophomore Scott Douglas (East Greenwich, RI) and junior Joe Senecal (Manchaug, MA) getting their share of scoring chances. Douglas finally broke through with his first goal of the season at the 62:49 mark when he settled a pass from Lawlor and drove the ball into the back corner of the net.
Sophomore Alex Wolfel (Unionville, CT) tied the score seven minutes later when he dribbled to midfield and drilled a shot into the top of the net.
Douglas had a chance to get the go-ahead goal for KSC in the closing minutes. With 3:06 to play he broke in alone, but Wilga came out of the net to flick the ball out-of-bounds.
Keene State outshot the Lancers 24-9 and had a 6-1 advantage in corner kick opportunities. KSC sophomore goalie Malcolm Cheney (Hopkinton, MA) finished the game with five saves. Wilga stopped 10 shots for Worcester State.
Keene State returns to Little East play on Saturday at 2:30 with a road game at Southern Maine. Worcester State has a home game against Framingham State in MASCAC action on Saturday at 10 AM.
Release Courtesy of Keene State Sports Information. Photo Courtesy of KSC Student Chris Palmero