WPI Nips Fitchburg State, 1-0 (OT)

Hanratty posts six saves in Falcons non-conference overtime setback

WORCESTER, Mass. (September 14, 2013) – Freshman Matt Farrell (Groveland, Mass.) slid in a cross from senior Chris Ciampa (Danvers, Mass.) 5:43 into overtime to deliver WPI a 1-0 victory over Fitchburg State in a non-conference men's soccer this afternoon.

With the win, the Engineers move to 3-1-1 while the Falcons even out at 3-3 on the year.

Farrell, who provided the heroics for the second time in as many Saturdays, recorded his second collegiate marker to go along with the game-winner early against Framingham State last week.

The best chance in the first half came at the 40:39 mark when WPI freshman Nate Peterson's (Mashpee, Mass.) shot was stonewalled by junior goalkeeper Aidan Hanratty (East Bridgewater, Mass.). After 45 minutes, WPI had a 6-3 advantage in shots and took all four corner kicks.

Fitchburg State had an opportunity late in the second half when sophomore Stephen Luna (Durham, N.H.) took aim inside the box but the shot went wide at 75:01. Engineer rookie Mike Sheahan's (Windham, N.H.) shot suffered the same fate when he ripped a shot in the 88th minute,

Despite being down a man for the last 20-plus minutes of regulation, the Falcons held the hosts to a 2-1 edge in shots. For the half, the Engineers took five of the six shots and were awarded both corner kicks in the frame.

Senior Jeff Wong (Millington, N.J.) stopped one shot in the overtime shutout, marking his 12th career shutout, while Hanratty turned away six shots before yielding to freshman Rondinelle Depaula (Leominster, Mass.) for the extra session.

Fitchburg State will be back in action on Wednesday as it travels to Curry at 7 p.m. WPI is off until Saturday when it opens conference play with trip to Clark University at 2 p.m.