MIT Tops Salve Regina, 2-0

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – With a 2-0 decision over Salve Regina University, the MIT men’s soccer team notched its second straight shutout of the season and raised its home ledger to 16-1-2 since the arrival of head coach Milton Gooding in 2007. The win also marked the sixth time in program history that the Engineers have started their season with back-to-back shutouts.

MIT (2-0-0) opened up the scoring in the 16th minute courtesy of Edner Paul’s first intercollegiate goal. Zach Kabelac started the initial attack as his shot was stopped by Salve Regina goalie Kurt Ginthwain. The ensuing kick from Ginthwain put the ball at midfield and was quickly corralled by Kabelac. After maneuvering through a pair of defenders, Kabelac sent a pass to Matt Greyson along the far sideline. He then fed a throughball to Paul who placed the ball to the low far post.

The Seahawks (0-1-0) had several chances to register the equalizer late in the frame. With 16 minutes remaining, Ken Johnson found himself in the box, but as he made his charge the ball got away from him at the last moment and was smothered by MIT netminder Dylan Rankin. In the 43rd minute, Salve Regina received a free kick from 20 yards out. Although Tony Lania’s strike sailed over the goal, the Seahawks maintained their pressure as the half expired.

The Engineers extended their lead early in the second stanza on a penalty kick by Christian Therkelsen. After being taken down in the box, Therkelsen calmly sent his shot to the lower right corner for his third goal of the season. Salve Regina continued to attack, registering a 6-2 advantage in shots and a 5-4 edge in corner kicks for the frame. However, MIT’s defense withstood the threats to capture the shutout win.

In net, Rankin collected three saves for the Engineers while Ginthwain made two stops for the Seahawks.

Both squads return to action on Saturday, Sept. 5. MIT kicks off play at the Babson College Soccer Classic against Eastern Connecticut State University before taking on Wentworth Institute of Technology the next day. Salve Regina will host UMass-Dartmouth in its home opener.