Falcons Edged By Vikings, 2-0 In MASCAC Action

Abbett makes four saves in conference setback

Salem, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University men's soccer team returned to action this afternoon, dropping a 2-0 decision to the Vikings of Salem State University in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action at Alumni Field.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 0, Salem State 2

Records: Fitchburg State (4-6, 1-3 MASCAC) | Salem State (9-1-1, 3-0-1 MASCAC)

How It Happened

Following a scoreless first half, Salem State took a 1-0 advantage in the 71st minute of action as freshman forward Gabriel Meireles (Everett, Mass./Everett) gathered a feed from classmate Igor Caldes (Victoria, Brazil/Uniao de Professores) and proceeded to tucked the ball into the lower right corner for his fifth score of the season.

The Vikings doubled their margin roughly one minute later when sophomore Edwin Demoya (Salem, Mass./Salem) connected on his third goal of the year off a feed from Meireles to make the score 2-0.

Fitchburg State's best scoring opportunity came with just over five minutes left in the contest as junior Marckdonard Bastien (Worcester, Mass./Worcester North) blasted a shot on frame that sailed just over the cross bar, resulting in the 2-0 final.

Inside the Numbers

This afternoon's contest with mark the 42nd meeting between the two squads on the soccer field with the Falcons currently 9-31-2 all-time when taking on the Vikings.

Fitchburg State had won three of the previous four matchups with Salem State, with the Vikings coming away with a 2-1 victory last season at Elliot Field.

Salem State finished with a 13-4 margin in shots, while also holding a 15-3 edge in corner kicks.

In goal, junior Branton Abbett (Jasper, Ind./Jasper) stopped four shots for the Falcons in the setback, while senior Gus Savage (Georgetown, Mass./Georgetown) went untested for the Vikings in his first collegiate start.

Up Next

Falcons will travel to Clark on Wednesday to take on the Cougars for a non-conference matchup, starting at 7:00 PM. Vikings will host the Pilgrims of New England College on Wednesday in non-conference action with a 7:00 PM start.