Lancers close out regular season with a Conference shutout win

Worcester, MA - The Lancers hosted the Massachusetts Maritime Buccaneers in their regular season finale at Coughlin Field Saturday Afternoon. With goals from Junior Forward Luke-Mark Anu (Salem, MA) and Sophomore Midfielder Waseem Mahmoud (Northborough, MA), Worcester State secured their eighth shutout of the season with a 2-0 victory over the Bucs.

FINAL SCORE: 2 Worcester, 0 Maritime 

SCORING PLAYS:

13:05 - Worcester | Luke-Mark Anu, assisted by Declan Ryder

44:35 - Worcester | Waseem Mahmoud, assisted by Mal Hawkins

Prior to kickoff, Worcester State's graduating class was honored at midfield. The following players were recognized for their dedication to this organization:

#27 Defender, Adnan Naseer (Westborough, MA)

#11 Midfielder, Patrick Mbarushimana (Worcester, MA)

#5 Midfielder, Kristi Shore (Korce, Albania)

#0 Goalkeeper, Christian Packard (Windsor Locks, CT)

#13 Midfielder, Isaac Stephen (Shrewsbury, MA)

#8 Midfielder, Alex Papageorgiou (Tewksbury, MA)

The Lancers drew first blood 13 minutes into the game with Anu's third strike of the season, assisted by Sophomore Midfielder Declan Ryder (Worcester, MA), his first of the season. Worcester State combined for a total of nine shots in the first forty-five minutes, with three of them being on goal. A number of great chances led to another Lancer goal in the 44th minute from Waseem Mahmoud, assisted by Sophomore Defender Mal Hawkins (Los Angeles, CA).This is Mahmoud's second goal of the season, while Hawkins brought his assist tally to three. 

The second half saw Worcester State once again outshooting Mass Maritime, with several attempts to get another goal on the board. Despite the chances they created, the Lancers were unable to get one in the net, from hits to the crossbar and wide. On the defensive side, Junior Goalkeeper Andy Ramirez (Waltham, MA) recorded two saves in the net, while Bucs keeper Nicos Pattihis saved one out of three. 

Papageorgiou, Anu & Junior Midfielder Manny Ramirez (Waltham, MA) recorded three shots each, with each player having a shot on goal, bringing the team total to 16 shots. Mass Maritime recorded a total of four shots, with two of them being on goal. 

With this win, the Lancers conclude their regular season with a record of 8-3-6 (4-0-3, MASCAC), while Mass Maritime drops to 1-13-2 (0-6-1, MASCAC). 

The Blue & Gold shift their gears toward the MASCAC Tournament as they are back home this coming Tuesday afternoon in a Quarter Final battle against the MCLA Trailblazers. Kickoff is scheduled for 1pm. 

#WeAreWorcester