Falcons Blanked by WPI, 2-0

FITCHBURG, Mass. – Worcester State Polytechnic Institute shutout Fitchburg State University, 2-0, in a non-conference men's soccer contest on Wednesday evening. Senior midfielder Sam Russell netted both goals for the Engineers in the winning effort. 

Fitchburg State falls to 6-9 on the year, while WPI improves to 12-3, and currently ranked 11^th in the latest DIII New England poll.

In the 39^th minute WPI capitalized on their second consecutive corner kick attempt, as Russell headed in the corner kick from Kurt Naugler to break the scoreless deadlock. Just minutes later the Falcons had their greatest chance of the opening half on a shot by freshman midfielder Felipe Ferreira that was stopped by freshman net minder Connor Hoeckele. 

The score remained 1-0 in the away sides favor for the majority of the second stanza, with Fitchburg State not having any real scoring chances. Russell would net his second of the contest and eighth of the season at the 76:41 mark from outside the box on the right side on a pass from junior midfielder Chris Murray. 

Overall, the Engineers held a 13-5 advantage in shots, while holding a 5-3 edge in corner kicks. 

Freshman Alex Alzaibak made seven stops in his second start of the season between the pipes for the Green & Gold, while his counterpart Hockele had three in his eighth win of the year. 

The Falcons will host Salem State on Saturday at 2:00 pm as they return to conference play. The Engineers host Babson on the same date at 2:30 pm in conference action.