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University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
6-4-3, 3-2-0 A-10
Saint Joseph's
3-9-1, 1-3-1 A-10
Minutemen Top Saint Joseph's For Third Win In A Row
October 07, 2023 | Men's Soccer
Mike Willis' 53rd minute goal proved to be the game winner
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Michael Rojas and Mike Willis each scored their second goal of the season to help UMass defeat Saint Joseph's 2-1 on Saturday night. The Minutemen have won three in a row and move to 6-4-3 while the Hawks drop to 3-9-1.
The first half seemed to be a defensive battle, seeing only four combined shots on goal and just one corner kick. However, the two teams made the best of the little scoring opportunities. In just the third minute of the game, Saint Joseph's got on the board first from a Fletcher Caponecchia goal.
The Minutemen didn't take long to respond. After a cross from Alec Hughes was kicked around in the box, Michael Rojas was able to control the ball and place one just inside the far right post to tie the game in the 18th minute. The goal was his second of the season.
Matt Zambetti made his only save of the half in the 32nd minute by denying Matias Mancini to keep the game tied.
UMass nearly claimed the lead in the 36th minute. Michael Rojas had a shot blocked and Alec Hughes gathered the rebound but his shot sailed just high.
Coming out of the break, the UMass offense livened up. Hughes almost netted his 12th goal of the year when his header went just wide in the 52nd minute. Less than a minute later UMass was able to break through as Mike Willis put the Minutemen on top thanks to assists from Hughes and Nick Zielonka.
UMass continued to apply pressure as Zielonka and Hughes nearly connected for a goal in the 60th minute but Hughes' shot was deflected wide.
Hughes had another chance to seal the deal in the 84th minute but had a shot saved. Hughes finished the contest with five total shots.
The Minuteman defense stood tall all night as they only allowed two shots on goal and one corner.
The Minutemen return to Rudd Field on Saturday, October 14st, as they square off with Fordham at 1 p.m. They then head to Lowell to take on the River Hawks in a battle for the Kennedy Cup on Tuesday, October 17th.
For complete coverage of the UMass men's soccer team, follow the Minutemen on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook at @UMassMSoccer and online at www.UMassAthletics.com.
Team Stats
Fletcher Caponecchia (1)
Assisted By: Blake Driehuis , James Fletcher
Shot from inside box off centering pass
2:45
Rojas, Michael (2)
Inside the box, shot through traffic to
17:28
Willis, Mike (2)
Assisted By: Zielonka, Nick , Hughes, Alec
Cross towards left post, shot to right s
52:45
