WPI 1, Anna Maria 0

Box Score

Paxton, MA -- The Anna Maria Men's Soccer team lost a tough non-conference match today against cross town opponent WPI. With the 1-0 win, WPI was able to stop a 4 game slide. Senior keeper Brain Catalano (Whitinsville, MA) recorded the shut-out for the visitors by turning away 5 shots.

WPI definitely had the better chances in the first half. The visitors used some aggressive play out of the back to keep the hosts on their heels in the first 45 minutes, and Junior Brandon Finzel (Northport, NY) was a constant threat to score. Only the solid defending of freshman Michael Allard (Monson, MA) kept Finzel off the board. Sophomore keeper Scott Burokas (Auburn, MA) did his best to keep WPI in check with some outstanding saves early on. The hosts began to get their footing by the 25th minute, and had just started to put some pressure on WPI when Sophomore Ben Gilde (Manchester, NH) broke through the defense and buried a perfect finish at the 31 minute mark.

Anna Maria was a different team in the second half and may have had the better chances for the last 45 minutes. No chance was better than an open net in the 70th minute, but junior Billy Goodell (Bridgweater, MA) could not convert from 10 yards out as his shot hit the post and bounced harmlessly away. The hosts made it exciting for the home crowd late, but Gilde's first half goal would stand and WPI had a much needed win.

Anna Maria drops to 5-8-1 (3-4 CCC) and hosts conference opponent Roger Williams Thursday. WPI improves to 6-4-1 (1-2 NEWMAC) and travels to Springfield on Saturday.

Release courtesy of Anna Maria Sports Information