09/05/2007
Men's Soccer Battles Johnson and Wales University to a Draw, 1-1

WORCESTER, MASS. 09/05/07 -- Andrew Ninnemman’s (Menlo Park, Cali.) goal in the 37th minute enabled the Clark University men’s soccer team to tie Johnson and Wales University 1-1 in a non-conference game played Wednesday at Granger Field.

Despite dominating play, Clark found itself trailing 1-0 after Brian Sousa’s (Providence, R.I.) header inside the box gave the Wildcats an early first half goal. Eric Flath (Warwick, R.I.) got an assist on the play.

Clark had several strong scoring opportunities to tie it up, but consecutive bids by Charlie Sherman (Amston, Conn.) and John Machado (Bristol, Conn.) were stopped point blank by JWU goalie Chris Vasquez (Nashua, N.H.) in the 27th minute and moments later, Kyle Klapp’s (Schenectady, N.Y.) header floated over the crossbar.

The Cougars finally broke through with just under nine minutes left in the first half. Following a corner kick from Klapp, Ninneman broke in down the middle and beat Vasquez to the far right corner for the equalizer (1-1). It was the sophomore midfielder’s first goal of the season.

Both teams had good scoring opportunities in a scoreless second half. Clark goalie Peter Wise (Providence, R.I.) kept the game at a deadlock with several spectacular saves, robbing the Wildcats Barry Phillip’s (West Glover, Vt.) at close range in the 68th minute. Lino Goncalves (Newton, Mass.) had the Cougars best chance to score, but his shot hit the cross bar with just 3:13 remaining.

The Cougars, who outshot JWU 23-11, had several chances to win the game in the first overtime. Senior Marc Labbe (Waterville, Me.) broke in alone, but shot wide and Mike Trobagis’ (Acton, Mass.) bid from 25 yards out rolled just left of the post.

Wise came up big for the Cougars in the final minutes. The sophomore keeper made a diving save on Alin Oriszi’s (Ypsilanti, Mich.) first attempt and denied his rebound in the 105th minute to secure the tie.

Clark also held a slim 12-8 advantage in corker kicks.

Wise finished with six saves for Clark. Vasquez stopped eight shots for JWU.

Clark will host Brandeis University on Saturday (1 p.m.).