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.