BOSTON, Mass. – Senior Sam Martins (Dartmouth, Mass.) buried a penalty kick at 103:34 to lift the Wentworth Institute of Technology men's soccer team to a 1-0, double-overtime win over WPI in a non-conference men's soccer contest played on Sweeney Field.
With the win the Leopards improve to 9-3-0 on the season, while the Engineers, ranked fifth in the latest NSCAA NCAA Division III New England Men's Soccer Poll, fall to 9-3-1. The overtime game was Wentworth's third of the season while WPI was playing in its sixth extra session contest in its last eight games – and fourth straight Wednesday overtime contest.
The Engineers appeared to take 1-0 lead in the 42nd minute, however the goal was waved off due to a foul. WPI had another opportunity, this time with two seconds left in the frame, however senior Kurt Naugler's (Westford, Mass.) header was denied by Wentworth freshman Matthew Sekerak (Winthrop, Maine).
The stalemate continued into the second half with Wentworth firing 10 shots compared to WPI, which registered five attempts. The Leopards commenced the first overtime period with a pair of shots, but both attempts by sophomore Michael Zendon (Charlotte, N.C.) did not sail past WPI sophomore Connor Hoeckele (Granby, Conn.). Freshman Frank Ciliberto (Spencerport, N.Y.) registered one shot in the frame, which was turned aside by Sekerak.
WPI registered the first shot in the second overtime, an attempt by freshman Ryan Tropeano (Pembroke, Mass.) that landed wide right of the Wentworth net. A little over two minutes later, freshman Noah Martins (Dartmouth, Mass.) was fouled inside the box, which led to Sam Martins' heroics as he buried his second penalty kick of the season and fourth of his career.
Sophomore Michael Zendan (Charlotte, N.C.) highlighted the Black and Gold's offensive output with a season-high eight shots. Wentworth concluded the match with 23 attempts and seven corners. WPI registered 17 shots and five corners.
Sekerak improved to 8-2 between the pipes, turning away eight shots for his fifth shutout of the season. Hoeckele fell to 6-3 with his eight-save effort.
Both teams return to action on Saturday, October 10 as Wentworth travels to Nichols College for a 2:00 p.m. kickoff, while WPI visits Springfield College at 12:00 p.m.
