WORCESTER, Mass. --- Sophomore Jason Barrett (Spencer, Mass.) turned aside nine shots and classmate Andre Ipojuca (Saugus, Mass.) finished with one goal and one assist as they both helped lift Worcester State to a 2-0 victory over Fitchburg State in MASCAC men's soccer action this afternoon at Coughlin Field.

With the victory, the Lancers improve to 3-5-1 and 1-2 in the MASCAC while the Falcons fell to 4-6 and 0-3 in the eight-team loop.

The Falcons came out of the gate on the aggressive as they peppered the opposing net with shots on goal. Barrett though gave his team some life as he turned aside a pair of bids by junior Mauro Giminez-Carrasco (Fitchburg, Mass.) and another attempt from the near sideline by classmate Jared Burns (E. Bridgewater, MA), for a diving save.

Barrett's play set the tone for the Blue and Gold as the hosts scored and took the 1-0 advantage into the intermission. Freshman Ryan Kinsella (Wilmington, Mass.) led the charge when he fired his third of the campaign in the 34th minute off a pass from the right side by Ipojuca

The Lancers remained on the offensive to start off the second stanza, but could not find the back of the net. FSU junior Nicholas Masley (Oxford, Mass.) also kept his team in the game when he deflected an attempt in the 66th minute by freshman Bryan Brasil (Williamsburg, Mass.), right in front of the net.

Fitchburg State used the momentum and did their best to net the equalizer. Freshman Matthew Beauregard (Charlton, Mass.) had chances from long range eight minutes apart, however, both were snatched away by Barrett.

Ipojuca finally helped Worcester State tack on some insurance in the 85th minute for final tally as he scored on a cross from Brasil, following a breakaway up the right side of the field.  

The Lancers back line stiffened and did not allow another quality look in the final five minutes of regulation.

Shots were even at 17 apiece, but the Falcons actually led in attempts on net, 9-8. FSU also held an 8-6 margin in corner kicks.

Junior Rondinelle DePaula (Leominster, Mass.) notched four saves Fitchburg State in the setback as he fell to 2-1 on the campaign. Barrett (2-0) posted his second consecutive shutout.

Worcester State is back in action on Tuesday on the road against Western New England at 4 p.m. The Falcons take on Mass Maritime a week from today at home in a 10 a.m. meeting.

Release written by Sports Information Intern, Connor Haynes