Fitchburg State Shuts Out Lancers 1-0

Worcester, Mass. - Fitchburg State senior Simon Vikoler netted the game-winning goal at the 5:03 mark of the first overtime as the Falcons defeated Worcester State, 1-0, in men's soccer MASCAC action this afternoon at John Coughlin Field in the regular season finale for both sides.

With the win, Fitchburg State improves to 8-10 on the campaign and 4-3 in conference play. Meanwhile the Lancers fall to 5-10-2 and 2-4-1 in the MASCAC. Both squads will await word for the seedings of next week's MASCAC Tournament which will be announced later this evening.

Scoring chances were few and far between as the Falcons held a narrow 7-4 advantage in shots on goal.

Fitchburg State nearly finished the game in regulation as they put together a pair of late second half scoring opportunities in a 45 second span. 

In the 85thminute, sophomore Steven Martinez took a pass and fired a strike that narrowly missed the left post. 

Shortly after, Fitchburg State continued their attack and that led to junior Gabriel Moya sizing up a shot from the top of the box that was turned away by a diving stop from senior goalkeeper Emil Dedo to keep the game scoreless heading into overtime. 

The Blue and Gold's best chance came in the 80th minute when senior Derek Alves slipped a pass to sophomore Zachary Sindoni in stride to the left of the net. However, his bid to put the Lancers ahead late was turned down by Falcons senior goalie Aidan Hanratty.

Fitchburg State carried their momentum from the end of regulation into overtime as they controlled the possession battle throughout the final stanza which resulted in the eventual game winner.

Following a corner kick, freshman Zachary Young floated a cross from the right side toward the box and found Vikoler who jumped above the defenders to head the ball over Dedo and inside the top left corner to give Fitchburg State the road victory.

Dedo was strong between the pipes, stopping six shots in the losing effort. Hanratty needed four stops for the shutout victory. 

The Falcons held an 18-9 advantage in shots while both sides were even in corner kicks at five apiece. 

Worcester State and Fitchburg State now await word for the seeding of the MASCAC tournament which will be determined this evening.

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