Worcester State 1, Clark 0
Worcester, MA --- Freshman Brianne Beckman (Lakeville, MA) sent in the game-winning goal on a helper by sophomore Danielle Clifford (Attleboro, MA) in a 1-0 victory over cross-town rival Clark this afternoon at Coughlin Stadium.
For the game's first 20 minutes Clark (1-1) kept the ball on Worcester's side of the field as they rattled off three shots (two on goal) before the Lancers retained possession. WSC (2-0) finally broke through the Cougar defense in the 28th minute when Clifford got past a defender and fed it to Beckman, who then tapped it into the net for her first collegiate goal.
Both teams had shots on goal for the rest of the half, but Clark ended with a 7-3 edge in the category. Clark senior Charlotte Bowman (Peterborough, NH) had the best look for the Cougars about 10 yards away from the net in the 38th minute, but junior keeper Rachael Armenti (West Boylston, MA) deflected the shot to end the threat. Clark also had two corners in the final three minutes of the stanza that they did not take advantage of.
In the second half, both defenses played well as neither squad really had a good chance to tie the game or score an insurance marker. Armenti and Cougar senior Joanna Clark (Windham, ME) also did an outstanding job in the second half. Armenti would finish the game with 12 stops while Clark corralled five balls.
Armenti now has two shutouts this season after the Lancers blanked Colby-Saywer on Monday in the season opener.
Clark had a frustrating afternoon as they ended with a 16-10 advantage in shots (12-6 on goal) and a 7-4 edge in corners.
Both teams play their next opponent on Wednesday. Worcester State continues their stretch of NEWMAC opponents when they travel to MIT for a 4 PM kickoff while the Cougars will entertain Union at 6:30.