Fitchburg State Upends Westfield State, 2-0

Hanratty collects second consecutive shutout with three saves in victory

WESTFIELD, Mass. (September 21, 2013) – The Fitchburg State men's soccer team blanked the Owls of Westfield State University, 2-0, in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) men's soccer opener this evening.

Fitchburg State improves to 4-3-1 (1-0-0 MASCAC) on the season, while Westfield State drops to 2-5-0 overall.

Freshman Steven Martinez (Middlesex, N.J.) opened the scoring for the Falcons, posting an unassisted marker in the 22nd minute when he dumped the ball over the goalie from 40 yards out.

The Falcons added another unusual score in the 63rd minute as goalie Aiden Hanratty (E. Bridgewater, Mass.) assisted on a goal by freshman Mauro Gimenez (Fitchburg, Mass.). The junior netminder punted the ball ten yards past the midfield stripe and connected with Gimenez, who got behind the Westfield defense to net the insurance score.

For the contest, Fitchburg State out-shot Westfield State, 20-11, posting eight shots on net as opposed to only three by Westfield State. Hanratty finished the contest with three saves for the Falcons, while Owl keeper Kris Carrington registered six saves on the night.

Fitchburg State will host Regis College on Wednesday at 7 p.m.