JOHNSON, Vt. – The Plymouth State University men's soccer team defeated the Vermont State University Johnson Badgers, 3-1, in non-conference action at Minaert Field on Tuesday afternoon.
In a back-and-forth matchup, the Panthers took a 1-0 first half lead as junior
Vince Cassarino (Tolland, Conn.) put home the first goal of the contest – his first goal of the season. The Badgers fought back to tie the game in the second half, but goals from sophomore
Colby Cowan (Oakdale, Conn.) and freshman
Nick Ferro (Smithfield, R.I.) late in the half sealed the victory for Plymouth State.
Cassarino, Ferro, and senior
Lucas McCarthy (Richmond, Va.) each registered an assist on the afternoon, while senior
Scott Danroth (Edmonton, Alberta) recorded his first win of the season in his second start of the campaign.
Plymouth State moves to 2-3-1, while the Badgers are now 2-1-0 on the season.
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 3, VTSU Johnson 1
- Plymouth State (2-3-1)
- VTSU Johnson (2-1-0)
How it Happened:
- VTSU Johnson created the first scoring opportunity of the game in just the second minute, but Danroth was a worthy foe and made the save to keep the Badgers away.
- The Panthers were first to get on the scoreline in the 11th minute as McCarthy served up a great ball to Cassarino who had no other intention but to put home his first goal of the season for a 1-0 lead.
- The Badgers came to play putting pressure on the Plymouth State back line and forcing four saves from Danroth in the opening half.
- Plymouth State clung to its advantage as the team maintained the 1-0 lead into halftime.
- VTSU Johnson tied the game at 1-1 in the 54th minute, paving the way for a tense closeout to the second half.
- The Panthers wasted little time jumping back in front, 2-1, in the 69th minute on a Cowan shot which found the top right corner of the net.
- Cassarino and Ferro connected in the 87th minute to extend the advantage to 3-1 and put the game out of reach. VTSU Johnson created some late chances, but the Panthers walked away with a comfortable victory in the end.
By the Numbers:
- Plymouth State edged the Badgers on total shots, 13-11.
- Shots on goal were in the Panthers' favor 8-5.
- Very few corner kicks were taken in the game as PSU tallied two to one for VTSU Johnson.
- The Panthers forced five saves from the opposing goalkeeper.
- Plymouth State leads the series 9-1-0, winning each of the last eight matchups.
Up Next:
- Plymouth State returns to Little East Conference action on Saturday (Sept. 20), when WestConn visits Arold Field for a 1:00 p.m. contest.
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