WORCESTER, Mass. - The Worcester State University men's soccer team closed its three-game home stand with a loss Friday night, falling to Western New England University 2-0 in non-conference action at John F. Coughlin Memorial Field.

With the loss, Worcester State falls to 1-3-0 on the season, while Western New England jumps to 2-1-0.

Western New England took a 1-0 lead into the half thanks to a 15th minute goal from senior Brendan Claflin (Burlington, Mass.). The senior's initial shot was denied by Worcester State keeper Henri Guilmette (Franklin, Mass.), but Claflin hopped on the rebound and buried a shot into the net for a 1-0 lead.

Worcester State had its best opportunity to tie the game in the 62nd minute, when senior Alfred Koroma (Millbury, Mass.) broke in on a breakaway. After dribbling around goalkeeper Dylan Husted (South Deerfield, Mass.), Koroma took a shot at the empty cage, but it was swept off the goal line by sophomore defender Larsen Keys (Norfolk, Mass.) to keep the score at 1-0 Golden Bears. 

Seven minutes after Koroma nearly tied the game, senior Charlie Argyle (Marshfield, Mass.) gave the visitors some insurance by scoring on a penalty kick, stretching the advantage to 2-0, which would hold up as the final score.

Guilmette made six saves in the losing effort for Worcester State, while Husted made three saves to earn his first shutout victory of the season.

Worcester State will be back in action on Tuesday with a road trip to Mitchell College. Kickoff between the Lancers and Mariners is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

#WooMSOC