Edge, Nygard lead Men's Soccer to first MASCAC win with 1-0 victory over Lancers

Courtesy of Worcester Sports Information

WORCESTER, Mass. - The Worcester State University men's soccer team lost its third consecutive Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference contest on Saturday afternoon, falling to MCLA 1-0 at John F. Coughlin Memorial Field.

With the loss, Worcester State drops to 4-8-0 overall this season and 1-3-0 in the MASCAC. MCLA earns its first conference win, improving to 3-8-0 overall and 1-3-0 in the MASCAC.

Junior Andrew Nygard (Gansevoort, N.Y.) scored the contest's only goal in the 31st minute, as he headed home a Ryan Wanek (South Salem, N.Y.) throw-in to put his team ahead 1-0.

In the second half, Worcester State poured on constant pressure, but just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net. In the 52nd minute, Worcester State had three consecutive brilliant scoring opportunities, but MCLA keeper Sam Edge (Williamstown, Mass.) was up to the task with phenomenal diving saves on attempts from Laszlo Dorogi (West Boylston, Mass.), Alfred Koroma (Millbury, Mass.), and Prince Gyau (Worcester, Mass.).

Worcester State appeared to tie the game in 87th minute, but a Lincoln Henry (Kingston, Jamaica) goal was taken off the board after he was ruled offside on the play. Worcester State was unable to mount any more high-quality chances, and the Trailblazers escaped with the 1-0 victory.

Edge got the win in net for MCLA with a four-save performance, while Worcester State's Henri Guilmette (Franklin, Mass.) turned aside one Trailblazer shot to take the loss. Worcester State held a heavy shot advantage in the contest at 20-6, but only 4-2 in shots on goal. Worcester took eight corner kicks to just one for MCLA.

Worcester State will be back in action on Wednesday night, hosting Elms College for a non-conference game at Coughlin Field. MCLA plays again on Monday afternoon, hosting Salve Regina.