Eastern Connecticut State University junior forward Matt Furman scored 11 minutes into double-overtime to give the Warriors a 1-0 victory over the Rhode Island College men’s soccer team in the Little East Conference opener for both teams on Saturday, Sept. 17.
The first meeting between the two teams since last year’s hotly contested LEC semifinal, which the Anchormen won in penalty kicks, went into overtime for the third straight meeting between the two teams. The game’s only goal was Furman’s ninth game-winner in his career and gave the Warriors their fourth win of the season (4-1-1, 1-0 LEC), while RIC fell to 2-4, 0-1 LEC, on the season with the loss.
Furman’s goal was set-up by senior midfielder Sean Collins who fed a pass to Furman, who headed in past RIC senior goalkeeper Nick Clark. Furman’s decisive goal came on Eastern Connecticut’s third shot in overtime, while the Anchormen were held shot in the extra time.
RIC senior forward Bruno Costa gave the Anchormen their best scoring opportunity when he blasted a shot off the post late in the first half. The Warriors held the edge in shots with eight, while the Anchormen were held to just four shots in the entire contest. Clark made four saves, while his counterpart, senior Carl Appel, finished with three in the shutout. Appel improved to 4-1-1 on the season and Clark fell to 2-4 with the loss.
RIC will be back in action when they host non-conference opponent Bridgewater State University on Tuesday, Sept. 20.
