#8 Eric Masi leads Wildcatsover Minutemen, 2-0

The University of New Hampshire men's soccer team remains undefeated at 6-0-1 as forward Eric Masi scored two goals in the second half of the Wednesday game against the Massachusetts Minutemen at Bremner field to win 2-0. The first half of the game appeared sluggish for the Wildcats, putting together nothing significant offensively. UMass contained most of the possession, but did not move far downfield into firm scoring positions. Pedro Braz began the first scoring threat 40 seconds left in the first half by serving the ball into the box. John Bergqvist attempted a flying header, but sent the ball just wide of the net. In the second half, New Hampshire increased the pressure on the Minutemen's defense. Back, Adam Marcellus drew a foul while in the box 12 minutes into the second half, producing a penalty kick. Eric Masi confidently sent the ball past UMass goalie Zack Simmons for his second penalty kick goal of the season. UNH out shot the Minutemen 6-3 in the second half and had a couple of close call goal attempts with just under three minutes to play. Freshman Kyle Urso launched a shot that hit the right goal post, deflecting to Masi who again fired, bouncing off of the crossbar. The insurance goal didn't come until just over a minute left in the game. Forward, Ross Fishbain passed the ball through the UMass defense to Masi, who controlled it with ease and sent it to the lower left corner of the net. With that connection, Masi and Fishbain finished the match tied for the team lead in goals with three and in points with seven. "We weren't pressuring as much on the field and playing sub-par," said Masi about the first half of the game. "I wasn't thinking about the height of the goalie, as much as I saw the ball go in before shooting," commenting on his penalty shot. "Our defense held tough and it paid off with the assist from Fishbain." Wildcat goalie Brain Levey was not needed to make any saves, as none of UMass' six shots were on goal. He intercepted several throws and kicks into the box that were intended for Minutemen. On a related note, Levey earned recognition by being named to Soccer American Magazine Team of the Week after his performances against Furman and Coastal Carolina. UNH ranks 23rd nationally and first in their division. They open the America East portion of their schedule Saturday, Sept. 24, with a road trip to Albany to face the Great Danes. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m. The next home game is Saturday Oct. 1, against Vermont on Bremner Field at 7 p.m.