09/02/2007
Men's Soccer Falls to WNEC in Overtime

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- The Clark University men s soccer team dropped a hard-fought 2-1 overtime decision to Western New England College in the final day of competition at the WNEC Classic on Sunday afternoon.

"It was pretty even all in all," said head coach David Kulik. "Despite our injuries, we fought hard and were competitive with a good team on the road."

"Once we get healthy, we have enough quality to be a solid team," he added.

Senior Dan Lawrence (Easthampton, MA) tallied the game-winner off a corner kick from classmate Mike Stewart (Springfield, MA) to earn the victory. Lawrence was voted the Classic Offensive MVP after netting the winning shot only 1:50 into the extra session.

Clark (1-1) took a 1-0 lead on a goal by senior David Blum (Irvington, NY) just 5:22 into the match. Sophomore Devin Weafer (Carmel, NY) earned the assist.

The Golden Bears (2-0) knotted the match when Martin fired home a shot with assists from Stewart and junior Dale Totman (Conway, MA) in the 11th minute.

WNEC outshot Clark 4-2 in the second half. Clark sophomore Charlie Sherman (Amston, CT) had a shot with 1:05 left in regulation sail over the net from about 15 yards out. Junior goalkeeper Peter Wise (Providence, RI) made a great save in the opening of overtime off a shot by WNEC junior Brian Dill (Portland, CT).

"We gave ourselves the chance to win late in the game, but we didn't take the glorious chance that our quality combination play created," Kulik said. "At the end of the day, we played well and can learn from this experience. Right now, we are concentrating on getting healthy and Wednesday’s home opener."

WNEC held a slim 10-7 shot advantage in the game. Wise finished with one save, while Steve Hennessey had two saves for WNEC.

Clark senior Lino Goncalves (Newton, MA) was voted the Classic Defensive MVP while Wise and senior Marc Labbe (Waterville, ME) made the All-Tournament Team. Stewart and sophomore Justin Martins (Ludlow, MA) were selected to the All-Tournament Team for WNEC.

Clark will host Johnson and Wales University on Wednesday (6 p.m.).

(Courtesy of WNEC Sports Information)