Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Men's Soccer team traveled to Westfield for a big conference matchup on Saturday afternoon. They fought hard to come back from a deficit but ultimately lost 2-1 in the grudge match. 

The first half of the game was tight between the two teams as the ball switched possession often. Both squads recorded four shots each in the first half, but Worcester was having trouble finishing opportunities in the Owls' final third. Senior Matthew Alzamora (Holden, MA) flicked a ball towards the net on a header from a phenomenal free kick that just hit the crossbar in the 18th minute, one of the closest chances the Lancers had in the period. The Lancers were called on nine fouls during the first 45 as they played with their aggressive style aimed at working the ball into the box and putting pressure on the defense. 

The second half gave Worcester a beautiful goal that was deemed to be offsides robbing them of the golden chance. Junior Nate Lewos (Auburn, MA) played an over the top ball to sophomore Brady Iovanni (Lunenburg, MA) who perfectly timed his run to get behind the Owl's defensive line, where he ended up just being a hair too far ahead of the ball. Ten minutes later the Lancers conceded a goal by Charlie Anischik off of a Westfield corner to put the Owls up 1-0. Just Nine minutes later Westfield earned another corner, this time Coleby Andrade capitalized on a rebound to find the back of the net again for the Owls. Worcester did not back down and their increased intensity saw Westfield receive four yellow cards during the second half. In the 78th minute, Worcester sent a free kick into the box where junior Waseem Mahmoud (Northborough, MA) touched the ball right past the keeper for the first Lancer goal. The Lancers found momentum and pushed the rest of the game into the Owls' end but were not able to find another goal before time ran out. 

Worcester State (0-3-3, 0-2) plays at home in a non-conference game on Wednesday against Curry at 7pm and will look for their first conference win on Saturday the 30th vs Fitchburg.