Willimantic, CT --- Eastern Connecticut junior Mitch Power (Douglas, MA) headed in classmate Christopher Giustina's (Enfield) corner kick four minutes into the second half to propel No. 24 nationally-ranked Eastern Connecticut to a 2-1 non-conference men's soccer victory over upset-minded Worcester State this evening.
One of only three undefeated, untied teams in this week's Division III national Top 25, Eastern (10-0-0) and Worcester State (1-7-1) were locked in a 1-1 tie before Power knocked in Giustina's corner kick early in the second half for his fourth goal of the year – all of which have been game-winners.
Tonights game marked the first matchup in nearly 15 seasons between the two squads.
Team scoring leader and senior Matt Furman (Montville, CT) scored from eight yards in a scramble in front of Worcester State freshman keeper Nick Zucco (Ludlow, MA) give the Warriors the lead in the tenth minute.
But the Lancers countered two minutes later when junior Brendan Whitson (Auburn, MA) scored his squad-best fifth goal of the season.
Zucco collected seven of the nine shots he saw on net for WSU while fourth-year Jordan Maunsell (Waterford, CT) finished with four saves for Eastern Connecticut.
The Warriors held the 17-11 edge in shots (9-5 on goal) and the 8-2 lead in corners.
Worcester State looks for its first win in MASCAC play against Mass Maritime on Saturday at 10 AM. Eastern Connecticut heads up to Keene State to face off against the Owls at 1 PM.
Major Portions of Release Courtesy of Eastern Connecticut Sports Information