10/08/2008
Ninnemann's Goal Gives Men's Soccer Overtime Win Against Rhode Island College

WORCESTER, MASS. 10/08/08 - Junior Andrew Ninnemann's (Menlo Park, Calif.) goal at the 5:09 mark of the first overtime gave Clark University a hard fought 1-0 non-conference men's soccer victory over Rhode Island College on Wednesday night at Granger Field. Clark improves to 7-3-2 on the season, while RIC, which had its eight game unbeaten streak snapped, falls to 6-4-2 overall.

Senior Mike Trobagis (Acton, Mass.) started the play when he blasted a shot about 25 yards out on the right flank. RIC keeper Cory Rocha (Riverside, R.I.) grabbed the ball in the air, but lost possession and Ninneman tapped it in to the corner of the net for the game-winner. It was the only the midfielder's third game of the year, as he has been sidelined by injury.

"This was my first home game back since I was injured," said Ninnemann. "It was good to come back, be able to contribute and be an intricate part of the team. As far as the goal is concerned, a finish is a finish."

After only a combined seven shots in the first half, both teams picked up offensively in the second frame. Freshman Bruno Costa (Pawtucket, R.I.) had a pair of solid chances to put the Anchormen on the board early in the half. Both times he was set up in front, but his first attempt sailed wide at 54:53 and his header floated just over the crossbar at 64:40.

Clark's Jenner Alpern (Towson, Md.) and Preben Gietz (Waterloo, Belgium) had consecutive scoring chances denied by Rocha with just over four minutes remaining. Seconds later, the Cougars had a chance to take the lead with the goalie out of position, but the ball was cleared by RIC defenders to keep the game at a deadlock.

The Anchormen had its best chance to win it in the extra session, but Jason Garcia's (Providence, R.I.) close range shot was smothered by Clark goalie Peter Wise (Providence, R.I.) at 6:10 mark.

Ninnemann didn't miss his opportunity just 1:01 later. It was his first goal of the season.

RIC edged the Cougars in shots, 11-10, but the host team led on corner kicks, 7-2.

Wise finished with three saves to record his sixth shutout of the season for Clark, while Rocha stopped four shots for RIC.

Both teams are back in conference action on Saturday. Clark will travel to WPI for a 1 p.m. game, while Rhode Island will play at Keene State College at 1 p.m.