Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Men's Soccer team took on the Keene State Owls at John F. Coughlin Field Thursday night in their last non-conference matchup of the season. 

The Owls started the night off strong with great connections around the Lancers. Worcester quickly picked up steam to keep Keene in their half for the remainder of the first half, working the ball all the way from the center backs to striker. Senior defender Kristy Shore (Korce, Albania) held excellent composure in the back for the Lancers. Neither team was able to find the back of the net after multiple attempts on the cage throughout the first.

Keene switched it on in the second half, challenging Worcester defensively and evening out possession. Keeper Dylan Ruberti had several key saves to keep the Lancers in the game before being relieved for the remainder of the second half by senior Christian Packard (Windsor Locks, CT). In the last five minutes of the game sophomore Mal Hawkins (Los Angeles, CA) touched the ball to the middle of the box for a strong kick by Ethan Escobar on the sprint who sent the ball knocking off a Owls defender's leg before sailing into the back of the net, giving the Lancers a 1-0 lead. 

The intensity was high in the final five minutes of play, with the sounds of whistles in the air as each team fought to hold their ground. A final seconds shot by the Owls Amlyl Aitdowd was sent just wide of the frame as the final buzzer sounded on the Lancers 1-0 victory.

The Lancers (7-3-6, 3-0-3) are back in action on Saturday when they host their final regular season match which will see them square off with Mass. Maritime on Coughlin Field. The pass back is scheduled for 3pm.