WORCESTER, Mass. – Clark University men's soccer (3-7-2, 0-3-1 NEWMAC) welcomed cross-town rival WPI (4-3-4, 1-1-1 NEWMAC) to Granger Field on Saturday afternoon. The Engineers struck quickly with two first-half goals, and while the Cougars answered with a late score, time ran out on their comeback attempt in a 2-1 defeat.
How it Happened
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Both teams had early chances, with WPI recording two shots on goal in the first seven minutes. Clark nearly struck back moments later when senior Ben Siegel's shot in the eighth minute rattled off the post.
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The Engineers broke through in the 21st minute when Mike Montabana's shot deflected off the post and found Nikolas Previte, who tapped in the opening goal.
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WPI doubled its lead in the final minutes of the half as Tora Ito intercepted a pass in the midfield and sent a ball ahead to Adin Pezo, whose strike from beyond the 18 made it 2-0 at the break.
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WPI threatened again in the 65th minute, but senior Diego Marin came up with a key save to keep the Cougars within striking distance.
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Clark continued to press late, finally breaking through with just seven seconds left when senior Ben Siegel delivered a cross to freshman Brendan Stevenson, who buried a header to make it 2-1—the final score.
Inside the Box Score
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The Engineers held a 13-12 edge in total shots, including a 6-2 advantage in shots on goal.
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Siegel led the Cougars with six attempts, one of which was on target, and recorded the team's lone assist — becoming the third Clark player this season with multiple assists.
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Stevenson netted his first career goal on just his third career shot on goal.
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Marin finished with four saves, marking his sixth game this year with four or more stops.
What's Next
The Scarlet and White now turn their attention to a 6:00 PM non-conference matchup at Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts, next Wednesday.
