MIT Falls to WPI, 2-1, in Overtime
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – A cross from Kevin
Ducharme was booted in by Rens Hayes with 3:34 remaining in the
first overtime period to give WPI a 2-1 victory over MIT in a New
England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC)
men’s soccer contest. With the win, WPI improved to 9-2
overall and 2-1 in the conference while MIT dipped to 6-4 on the
year and 1-1 in the NEWMAC.
MIT opened the scoring after 12:31 expired in the first half. With
his back to the goal from 25 yards out, Christian Therkelsen sent a
pass over his head to the far corner. Ben Lewis corralled the ball
and sent a blast to the lower right corner of the net. The majority
of the frame was a defensive battle until WPI made a charge during
the last three minutes. Hayes sent a dangerous free kick from
midfield that was stopped by MIT goalie Dylan Rankin. Just over a
minute later, Sean Galligan crossed the ball which was quickly
struck by Evan Demers-Peel. Rankin turned away the shot but WPI
continued to apply pressure as the period closed.
The second stanza saw most of the action occurring in the midfield.
In the 67th minute, WPI goalie Paul Moan denied MIT an opportunity
to extend its lead by grabbing Scott Jenkins’ header. On its
counterattack, WPI’s Wade Mitchell-Evans placed a ball in
front of teammate Kyle Powers. The pass was just a step out of
reach as Rankin quickly scooped up the potentially equalizing
attempt. With 5:45 remaining in regulation, WPI broke through and
ended the shutout. Demers-Peel sent a cross from the near side
which was redirected in midair off of Dominic DeChiara’s left
foot.
MIT had a chance to take the win 40 seconds into the overtime
session. Standing in the middle of the box three yards from the
goal line, Ben Lewis kicked the ball to the near post but Moan made
a diving save to preserve the deadlock.
The physical match-up that generated 33 fouls was a balanced affair
as both sides registered seven shots while MIT recorded a 4-3 edge
in corner kicks. In net, Rankin finished with three saves as Moan
gathered four for WPI.
Next up for MIT will be a home game against Rhode Island College on
Wednesday, Oct. 7. WPI returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 10 when
it travels to NEWMAC and cross-town rival Clark University.