Worcester, MA --- First-year classmates Evan Anderson (Webster, MA), Matthew Dent (Ludlow, MA), and Andre Ipojuca (Saugus, MA) each scored second half goals to help Worcester State defeat Framingham State 3-0 this morning MASCAC men's soccer action at Coughlin Field.

With the victory the Lancers improve to 2-5-1 while also erasing a four-game winless streak in the process. The visiting Rams fall to 3-4-1 as both squads are now 1-1 in MASCAC play.

After a scoreless opening half, the Lancers' offense broke through early into the second stanza with a pair of goals in a three minute span.

Anderson tallied the first goal just 35 seconds into the frame. After senior Derek Alves (Ludlow, MA) received a long throw in by freshman Joshua Evans (Springfield, MA/Sabis), he flicked it to Anderson on the right side of the box, who then fired a low strike past sophomore netminder Jacob Nichols (Sturbridge, MA) to give the Lancers a 1-0 advantage for his second marker of the campaign.

Worcester State added their second goal minutes later on a set piece again from the 25-yard line. This time, Dent was the beneficiary of a free kick from Evans. Dent went high and above several defenders to head the Evans cross past Nichols and increase the margin to 2-0 with his first collegiate goal.

Ipojuca added some insurance in the 69th minute when he slipped several defenders to receive a midfield pass from sophomore Steven Julius (Ashby, MA) around the top of the box. He calmly placed a rocket, top shelf, to record his second goal of the season and put WSU in firm control of the contest.  

Framingham State had plenty of scoring chances throughout the contest, but failed to capitalize on their opportunities.

Senior Maycon Malta (Milford, MA) had Framingham State's best scoring chance 16 minutes into the game when he shot a laser towards senior goalie Emil Dedo (Worcester, MA/Doherty). However, the shot sailed just enough to miss the left post.  

The Rams had another opportunity later in the first half on a free kick just outside Worcester State box. Junior Cory Cardeiro (Fall River, MA/Durfee) blasted a shot over the Lancer defensive wall, but it sailed over the crossbar for what proved to be a scoreless draw at the intermission.

The visitors actually led in shots (17-12) while corner kicks were even (3-3).

Nichols stopped six shots in the defeat. Dedo needed just one save to ear the shutout and record his first victory of the season.

Both squads play road matchups on Wednesday at 7 PM. Worcester State does battle with Elms while Framingham State heads to Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut.

Release By Sports Information Intern Michael Corso '14