BEVERLY, Mass. – Endicott and Wentworth battled through harsh weather conditions and a water-logged field on Wednesday afternoon, but the Gulls men's soccer team pulled off a 2-1 victory over the Leopards to run their unbeaten streak to eight games (7-0-1).
Endicott (7-6-3, 4-2-2 CCC) currently own their first over .500 record since October 30th, 2005 when the Gulls were 9-8-1 following a 2-1, double overtime victory over Colby-Sawyer in the CCC Quarterfinals that season.
Wentworth (6-5-3, 3-3-2 CCC) saw its recent four-match unbeaten streak snapped with the loss. The Leopards had previously gone 3-0-1 with their most recent match being a 1-1, double overtime tie with conference rival and regionally-ranked Roger Williams.
Midway through the second period at 77:16, Endicott broke the scoreless tie on an unassisted goal by freshman midfielder Stephen Joyce (Rome, N.Y.). A free kick by the Gulls hit off the body of Endicott sophomore Brett Longobucco (Torrington, Conn.) and with the ball loose, Joyce fired a shot to the back of the net past Wentworth keeper John Longo (Needham, Mass.) for his first goal of the season.
Wentworth responded by scoring a goal in the 88th minute to force overtime. Senior midfielder John Geleski (Wayne, N.J.) send a long pass to the far post that was touch passed by senior forward Josh Deschene (Webster, Mass.) directly to senior midfielder Dan Santacroce (Northford, Conn.) who beat the goalie. Santacroce's goal was his fourth of the season.
In the first overtime period, Endicott caught a break as the Gulls won the match on an own goal by Wentworth. With the Gulls on the attack, a long cross was sent in the box but as the Leopards defender looked to head the ball away it was mishit directly back at his own goal at the 96:41 mark.
Endicott goalie Aaron Kanter (Medfield, Mass.) made four saves in net for the victors while Wentworth's Longo also made stops but took the loss.
Endicott returns to action on Saturday, October 22nd for a 12:00 pm road match against conference opponent University of New England. Wentworth travels to league-leading Western New England for a on the same day at 11:00 am.
(Release Courtesy of Endicott Sports Information)
