Western New England goalkeeper Kevin Strobel dives to thwart Alex Dragon’s scoring chance in the first half. (Courtesy of Westfield State Sports)
SPRINGFIELD – Western New England University made Nick Liccardi’s 19th minute goal stand up, tacking on another late marker en route to a 2-0 win over Westfield State University in a non-conference men’s soccer game at Surprenant Field on Wednesday afternoon.
Liccardi tallied off a feed from Corey Brown, beating Westfield State goalkeeper Alex Kraver with a high shot that slipped under the crossbar.
Westfield put consistent pressure on Western New England in the second half as the Golden Bears nursed a one-goal lead.
In the final eight minutes of the half, the Owls generated several good scoring chances, as Owls forward Connor Gilbert had headers fly just wide and just high, and Zack Carlson sent a shot from the top of the penalty area just wide right.
Western New England tacked on a late goal with less than two minutes left in regulation from Troy Remillard with the Owls pushed up in an effort to get a tying goal.
Western New England finished with a 6-3 edge in shots on goal and a 9-4 advantage in corner kicks. Kevin Strobel stopped three shots for the Golden Bears in earning the shutout, while Kraver finished with four saves for the Owls.
Westfield will begin Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference play on Saturday, hosting Salem State at 1:00 p.m. at Alumni Field. – Courtesy of Westfield State University Sports
