Fitchburg Tops Men's Soccer, 2-0

WESTFIELD, Mass. – Fitchburg State freshman forward Alexander Loyd (Kingston, Mass./Silver Lake) scored one goal and assisted on the other to lead the Falcons to a 2-0 win over Westfield State in a MASCAC men's soccer match at Alumni Field on Saturday afternoon.

Loyd netted the Falcons first goal less than 12 minutes into the match, when Fitchburg was awarded a free kick just outside of the top of the penalty area.  The 6-foot-7 Loyd ripped a shot over the top of the wall, and Westfield State goalkeeper Tyler Diotalevi (Ludlow, Mass.) was able to get a hand on the shot but not save it, and the Falcons took a 1-0 lead.  

Fitchburg netted an insurance goal in the 72^nd minute of play as Loyd beat his man down the right side on a counter-attack, then crossed the ball to the left side to find Marckdonard Bastien (Worcester, Mass./North) alone five yards out, and Bastien fired into the open left side of the net for a 2-0 lead.

Westfield's best scoring chance came midway through the first half, as Ryan Della Penna (Enfield, Conn./Suffield, Mass.) had a clear look at an open side of the net, but his shot ricocheted off the crossbar.

Diolatevi finished with 10 saves for the Owls, while Fitchburg goalkeeper Branton Abbett (Jasper, Ind.) finished with three to post the shutout.

Fitchburg improves to 5-4-1 overall and 2-1 in the MASCAC.  Westfield is now 2-7 overall and 1-2 in MASCAC play.

The Owls recognized members of the 2006 MASCAC Championship and NCAA Tournament team that returned for the game at halftime.

Westfield State will be back in action on Tuesday, hosting Castleton State in a non-conference matchup at 4 pm at Alumni Field.