Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Men's Soccer team (0-4, 0-0) kicks off their conference season this afternoon as they host Bridgewater State (0-4-1, 0-0) in the conference home opener. Two years ago the Lancers claimed a thrilling PK OT victory over the Bears to win the 2022 MASCAC Championship and hope to claim a win today to start their conference bid off on the right foot. 

Final:

Worcester State: 0

Bridgewater State: 4

How it Happened:

It was a strong back and forth game through the first half of play for both programs in what was an evenly matched game on the pitch. Each team was presented with multiple opportunities to attempt to grab a lead in the game but the team work and defensive structure of both teams would keep the action out of the net and focused in the transition on the field. The Bears were able to record a few more attempts on the cage off a some lucky end line rolls that would produce corner kicks for Bridgewater, but in solid scoring chances each team was nearly split as first year PJ Schmidt (Westwood, NJ) would record three saves and the Bears Luke Ekmanis would record two of his own. 

Just five minutes into the second half would see the stalemate break as the Bears were finally able to find success in the corner set piece. After a double barreled corner kick pattern all game, Carson Boloz would tap the ball to Nicholas Ribeiro who would nail the cross into the box where the ball would tap off the foot of Hector Bucio, rolling past Schmidt for the first goal of the game. Just four minutes later, a penalty just outside the box would set the Bears up for a free kick. With a bit more deception on the start, Nicholas Matias would tap the ball to Ribeiro who would send the ball sailing to the top right corner of the cage for the 2-0 lead. Worcester would attempt to answer, quickly working their way down field and grabbing their own corner of their own, but the Bears defense would not free any space for the ball to get into the cage. With just over 16 minutes remaining a crossed ball by the Bears Dominek Borden to Colin Evans would find the back of the net to expand the Bridgewater lead to 3. A final goal with three minutes to go would see Filippo Mucci breakaway from nearly the 50 for a one on one with Schmidt and tuck the ball off the left side of the keeper.

Worcester would attempt to get a score of their own in the half but their numerous attempts were thwarted by Bridgewater State to close the game out at 4-0 for the Bears. Schmidt would end the day with five saves as the Lancers had nine attempts in the game

What's Next:

Worcester State (0-5, 0-1) will quickly return to action as they travel to Curry College next Tuesday at 7pm.