Golden Bears Battle Visiting Framingham State to a 1-1 Draw in Non-Conference Action

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--Both teams scored goals in the second half as host Western New England settled for a 1-1 double-overtime draw with Framingham State in non-conference men's soccer action at Golden Bear Stadium on Wednesday. The Golden Bears are now 5-2-1 on the season after extending their four-game unbeaten streak (3-0-1, all going into overtime during the stretch) while the visiting Rams stand at 2-2-1.

With the game knotted at 1-apiece in the 104th minute, WNE had the best chance to win it but sophomore Ryan Dickinson's penalty kick driven low was saved by Jacob Nichols, who dove to his right to get his hand on the ball.

Suhairu Kato forced overtime for Framingham with just 10 seconds left in regulation when he collected a loose ball off a scramble and shot a left-footed blast from a sharp angle that went off the hands of sophomore keeper Kevin Strobel and into the back of the net.

Sophomore Kory Caster had given the Golden Bears a 1-0 lead in the 59th minute on a nice combination play from freshman Jordan Martins, who is the reigning Eastern College Athletic Conference New England and Commonwealth Coast Conference Rookie of the Week, and sophomore Alan Haberern, who were credited with assists.

Despite outshooting the Rams 21-19 (shots on goal were nine apiece), the Golden Bears seemed to have the more dangerous chances--especially in the second 10-minute overtime period. Freshman Maurice Young had a shot that went wide in the 101st minute, followed by one from Dickinson less than two minutes later. Haberern also went just wide in the 106th minute. With 10 seconds left, WNE had a cross from the right wing into the box that barely missed the boot of two Golden Bears at the near and back post.

Strobel made two key saves late to help preserve the tie, first on a blast from Jamie Plowman while diving to his left and then off a header by Maycon Malta. Strobel also faced some pressure in the first overtime when Framingham released three shots to none for WNE.

Just before Caster's goal, the Golden Bears had two excellent looks on frame as junior Luis Agrait's attempt from 15 yards out off a corner kick was stymied by Nichols and Haberern's header on the rebound was also stopped by the keeper.

Both keepers finished the game with eight saves each.

Western New England is back in action on Saturday (3:30 p.m.) at Roger Williams for a CCC showdown.