GORHAM – The Plymouth State men’s soccer team engaged in some exciting play this past week, splitting a win and a loss against Worcester State College and the University of Southern Maine. They now have a 3-3 record on the season, with one tie. Also, they are 1-2 in the Little East Conference (LEC).
During Wednesday, September 26, win at home against Worcester State, the Panthers were led by senior midfielder Keith Whittemore, who scored a goal in the win. Freshman forward, Adrian Burnett, also added his first goal to help out in the winning effort. The Lancers had offensive help from junior Paul Membrino, who added a score near the end of the game. The Panther defense was led by sophomore goalie Dan Salzer, who finished the game with seven saves, and collected his first win of the year. Lancer goalie Dan Hansen made four saves in the game, but was eventually replaced by backup Albert Jenkins.
During the second game, at the University of Southern Maine, the Panthers fought hard, taking it to overtime, but ultimately losing the game to the Huskies 3-2. USM got the early lead in the first half of the game, but PSU came back to the tie the game later on by clutch goals from sophomore forward Eric Owens and senior Takeru Tanikawa. Huskies midfielder Greg Cox punched in the game winning goal 2:39 into overtime to eventually seal the win. Even with the loss, the Panthers dominated in most statistical categories, including shots on goal with a 22-5 advantage, and corner kicks with a 6-1 advantage.
PSU continues its season this week by playing at home against Western Connecticut on Saturday at 11 a.m. They will then travel to Maine to play against Bates College on Wednesday at 3 p.m.