SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Senior Jake Bartnik's (East Longmeadow, Mass.) goal with 2:22 remaining in regulation snapped a 2-all tie and lifted the Western New England men's soccer team to a 3-2 win over Wentworth Institute of Technology in Commonwealth Coast Conference action played on Suprenant Field.
With the win the Golden Bears, winners of three straight, up their record to 10-3-1 overall and 4-1 in league play. The Leopards drop their second straight fall to 2-11-0 (2-3).
The hosts wasted little time getting on the board, scoring just 54 seconds into the contest as senior Jon Axton (Chicopee, Mass.) gave Western New England a 1-0 lead. The lead lasted until the 26:02 mark when sophomore Sam Martins (Dartmouth, Mass.) scored.
Wentworth took a 2-1 lead at the 51:01 mark when junior Tyler McQuesten (Tewksbury, Mass.) found the back of the net. Seven minutes and 42 seconds later the Golden Bears knotted the score at 2-all when freshman Neil Williams (Brewster, N.Y.) scored.
The Golden Bears had a chance to go ahead with 4:15 left when they were awarded a penalty kick. Bartnik stepped up for the kick, however freshman Chase Richard (Smithfield, R.I.) made the stop to keep the game tied. A minute later junior Adam Rhodes (Litchfield, Conn.) had a chance to put Wentworth ahead, however senior Domenick Villano (Bronxville, N.Y.) made the stop.
Bartnik's goal came off a pass from senior Ryan Williams, capping off the Golden Bear comeback.
Villano made five saves in the win while Richard turned aside four shots. Western New England held a 14-10 shot advantage and were awarded all eight corner kicks in the contest.
The Golden Bears travel to Curry on Wednesday while the Leopards host Gordon on Saturday.
