WPI blanks Salve Regina

WORCESTER -- In the inaugural NEWMAC meeting between the two teams, the WPI men's soccer team earned a 2-0 victory over Salve Regina on Saturday afternoon.

With the victory, the Engineers improved to 4-3-3 on the year and 2-1 in NEWMAC action while the Seahawks dropped to 5-5 overall and 0-2 in conference action.

The Engineers had a 1-0 lead at the half thanks to the leg of Aaron Vaz (Medford, MA) who connected on a penalty kick in the 43rd minute of action to put the Engineers up at the half. The penalty kick goal was the team's first of the season and Vaz' third of his career (3-for-3). The goal game following a corner by Anthony Previte (Andover, MA) which was headed towards goal Anthony Coutts (Millis, MA), cleared off the line by the Seahawks' Aiden Crean (Glastonbury, CT) and followed by a handball from the ensuing scramble that led to the penalty kick.

Francesco Valagussa (Arlington, MA) added to WPI's total in the 75th minute of action netting his third goal of the season. Valagussa dribbled down the field and beat the Salve Regina goalkeeper to the left, sneaking the insurance goal into the back of the net for the 2-0 lead. It was validation for Valagussa, who had hit the inside of the post 30 minutes into the match.

Ryan Martin (Douglas, MA) and Julian Quaresima (East Meadow, NY) combined for the shutout in goal making four saves on the day while Zach Rock (Middleton, MA) made two stops in net for Salve Regina.

The Engineers return to the pitch against Endicott tomorrow, Sunday, October 1, when they will host Senior Day at H. Carr Field at 5 p.m. Salve Regina will look to bounce back against Bridgewater State on Wednesday, October 4, at 7 p.m. at home.