SAINTS NIPPED BY CLARK IN DOUBLE O.T.

WORCESTER, Mass. – Host Clark University got the game-winning goal from junior Kenny Vera (Franklin Square, N.Y.) in the 106th minute and the Cougars survived a physical non-conference matchup with Emmanuel College in non-league men's soccer action on Wednesday evening.
 
Vera, playing with a heavy heart after the passing of his grandfather, took a through ball feed from Aaron Segura (Wooster, Ohio), dribbled around the hard-charging Saints' goalkeeper James Withers (East Taunton, Mass.) and fired a shot into an open net at 105:54.  With the win, Clark improves to 7-8 overall, while Emmanuel dips to 4-10-2 and has now dropped five of their last six matches.

In a match that featured five yellow cards and 30 combined fouls, it was the Cougars that took a 1-0 lead when Will Van Noppen (Providence, R.I.) sent a ball to a streaking Gianluca Ranallo (Scarsdale, N.Y.) who blasted home his third goal of the season at 11:36.
 
Emmanuel answered back almost immediately courtesy of a fantastic individual move by Stefano Sainato (Albany, N.Y.). With a defender crowding him, he spun to the left just outside of the box and sent a shot that Clark netminder Ryan King (Brimfield, Mass.) was able to deflect but it still had enough power to get across the goal line and even the score.
 
Each team had opportunities to score before Vera's game-winner but neither could capitalize.
 
The Cougars had a great chance to retake the lead in the 26th minute when Vaske Gjino (Worcester, Mass.) had his blast initially saved by Withers, but a rebound came directly to Brian Arsenault (South Portland, Maine), who saw his attempt sail just over the crossbar.
 
Another strong chance for Clark came in the 66th minute when Ranallo weaved through the Saints' defense and fired a rising ball that Withers was able to tip over the crossbar.
 
Emmanuel had their best chance in the 82nd minute when Sainato found himself open on the rightside of the box and his attempt floated past King but went just to the left of far post.
 
The Saints had another opportunity when Allan Parrelli (Reading, Mass.) had a free kick bang off the near post in the 88th minute.
 
Withers made eight stops for Emmanuel, while King turned back three to collect the win.
 
Both teams are back in action on Saturday. The Saints head to Albertus Magnus for a GNAC match beginning at 3:15. Clark, meanwhile, travels to Wheaton as they return to NEWMAC play. Game time is slated for 1:00 p.m.

*Release courtesy of Clark University Sports Information