Men’s Soccer Earns Big Victory over Western Conn, 1-0

PLYMOUH – A clash of soccer titans ended in favor of the host last Saturday at Panther Field, as the Plymouth State University Men’s Soccer team notched a 1-0 victory over conference-rival Western Connecticut. Senior Brad Wyman scored the lone goal of the contest, giving Plymouth State the advantage in a game featuring two of the Little East’s top programs. The victory brings the Panthers to 9-1-2 overall and 3-1 in conference play, while the Colonials fall to 10-3-1 and 2-2-1. The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with defense taking center stage. The first threat to score came about six minutes in when sophomore Seth Desjardins picked up a pass from Jamal Luttamaguzi, but his shot sailed wide left, keeping the game scoreless. The Colonials answered nine minutes later with a near-breakaway by freshman Erik Rinaldi, but an effort to sneak the ball past goalkeeper Tyler Shute deflected off the freshman netminder’s leg, and the two teams fought on. The Panthers got another great opportunity to draw first blood in the final minutes of the half, when Colonial goalie Daniel Michalowski whiffed a kick from the top of the box. Panther freshman Semir Mehmedovic retrieved the ball from behind him, but a call against the Panthers’ scoring leader gave possession back to Western Connecticut, and the teams went into the break in a scoreless deadlock. Play opened no differently in the second half, with both teams battling back and forth in an effort to gain the advantage. While Western Conn’s defense held, their offense all but vanished from the equation as the Panthers took control of the field. Plymouth pressured the Colonials’ defense all through the half, but it would be over 30 minutes in when the Panthers finally struck. Michalowski caught just enough of Panther freshman Gareth Stephens’ shot to deflect it off the goalpost, but Wyman beat him three minutes later, redirecting a pass from Mehmedovic to end an 80-minute deadlock and give the Panthers a 1-0 lead. The Colonials managed to get the ball down into Panther territory in the closing minutes, but never made a major threat to tie the game. Plymouth State regained control as the final seconds counted down, wrapping up their biggest victory so far this season. Plymouth State’s offense made the difference in a game dominated by strong defensive performances on both sides. The Panthers’ twelve shots goal included several golden opportunities, but their defense ensured the one goal would be enough. Western Conn’s offense showed almost none of the spark that scored seven goals against Albertus Mangus last Wednesday, notching just five shots on the Panther net as they continue to struggle against Little East teams. The Panthers settled for a tie against Southern Maine on Monday, but Saturday’s victory proved Plymouth State is back in control, and they look to take their latest run all the way into the Little East Tournament. The Panthers begin their final two-game homestand Saturday at 3:00 p.m. against Rhode Island College.