Falcons Nipped By Springfield, 2-1

Krikorian notches team-leading seventh goal for Falcons in non-conference setback

FITCHBURG, Mass. - The Fitchburg State men's soccer team battled neck and neck with powerhouse Springfield College, dropping a 2-1 decision to the Pride as sophomore forward Christian Schneider headed home the decisive goal in the 74^th minute on a frigid night at Elliot Field this evening.

Sophomore goalkeeper Connor Smith was challenged in his ninth appearance of the season for the Falcons, but was impressive for the hosts in the setback. Smith was tested 25 times by Pride, making 9-of-11 saves, limiting a Springfield offense that averaged 3.69 goals per game entering play.

Fitchburg State got on the board first as freshman Matthew Krikorian scored on the first shot of the night for the Green and Gold at the 7:46 mark. After receiving a lofted pass outside the penalty box from classmate Nolan Brassard, Krikorian placed a shot into the lower right corner for his team-leading seventh goal on the season for the 1-0 advantage.

It didn't last long however, as Springfield College knotted the score (1-1) midway through the frame when senior Taylor Gilfroy settled a loose ball inside the box, before rocketing a shot with his right foot and into the top left corner of the net for his sixth marker of 2016.

After the intermission, Fitchburg State faced an onslaught of shots (13) from opposition, but stood composed until the 74th minute as the Pride took their first, and only lead of the game.

Senior Luke Alvaro controlled a deep-throw in from the sidelines and was immediately forced toward the end line where he chipped a pass inside open space in front of the net. Schneider came speeding into the box, forcefully heading the ball just inside the far post, resulting in the 2-1 final. 

Throughout the contest, Springfield College controlled the offensive play, holding a 25-3 margin in shots, while also finishing the evening with a 10-0 advantage in corner kicks. In goal, Smith finished with nine saves in the complete game effort for the Falcons, while senior Zach Richard earned the win for the Pride, facing four shots.

Springfield's Wayne Belcher and Charlie Argyle tied for the game-high with four shots each, while Fitchburg State saw efforts offensively from Marckdonard Bastien, Zachary Pesetsky, and Krikorian; all finishing with one shot.

Fitchburg State (4-11-1, 2-4-0 MASCAC) squares off with Salem State University for its final regular season contest when they travel to the Vikings home-pitch on October 29^th at 12:00 P.M. Springfield College (15-1-1, 4-1-1 NEWMAC) will close out its regular season with a New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference tilt against Coast Guard University this coming Saturday at 1:00 P.M. 

Recap courtesy of Fitchburg State student journalist Kyle Prudhomme

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