Men's Soccer Tripped Up at Western New England, 3-2

Men's Soccer Tripped Up at Western New England, 3-2

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--The Western New England University men's soccer team raced to a 2-0 lead against Curry College and then had to hang on for a Senior Day 3-2 victory Saturday over the Colonels at Suprenant Field. The Golden Bears improve to 8-7-3 overall and 3-3-2 in the Commonwealth Coast Conference, while the Colonels fall to 11-7 and 3-5 in the CCC.

After a scoreless first half, Western New England's Kevin Parma broke through for the game's first goal in the 52nd minute and Shawn DaCruz made it 2-0 just 4 minutes and 32 seconds later.

Then in the 64th minute, sophomore Nick Gilman (Longmeadow, Mass.) scored the first of his two goals on the afternoon to bring Curry within 2-1.

The Golden Bears, however, responded quickly as freshman defender Colin Macdonald scored an insurance tally just 51 seconds later to put Western New England back on top by two goals.

Gilman added another goal in the 77th minute to account for the final margin, but Curry couldn't get the equalizer as its last three shots were blocked.

Before the game, the Golden Bears senior class of DaCruz (Ludlow High School), Bobby Jameson (Northbridge HS), Mike Wysocki (Somers, Conn./East Catholic HS) and keeper Nick Starr (Somers [Conn.] HS) were honored for their service to the program and flanked by their family and friends at midfield. Starr ended up with three saves.

Senior Nick Barber (Pittsfield, Mass.) kept Curry close by making eight stops.

The Colonels held slight edges in shots (17 to 14) and corner kicks (6-5).   

The Golden Bears will host conference opponent Gordon College on October 23 in a 3:00 game start.  The Colonels will also host a CCC opponent, Roger Williams on October 23 at 7:00 p.m. (Game Recap Courtesy of Western New England Sports Information).