Sept. 5, 2006
BEVERLY, MA - It was another tough evening for the Endicott College Gulls as they fell to Salem State 2-0 on Tuesday. The two sides played a fairly even match with the Gulls struggling to find the back of the net but playing very strong defense.
Salem State took an early lead scoring in the games 14 minute when Adonis Sheppard drove a cross through the Endicott penalty area that found the head of Alex Kakambouras to beat Cam Twiss. The game remained 1-0 for the rest of the first half, despite multiple chances from each side.
The Gulls kept the game close thanks to their sturdy defense, anchored by Chris Croteau (Groveland, MA/Pentucket Reg.) and T.J. Sapienza (Milford, NH/Milford), EC's back line shut down a number of attacking runs from the Vikings.
Endicott's defense not only kept the Vikings off the scoreboard but also provided the team with their best scoring chance of the first half. After receiving a clearing pass from the defense Joshua Golden (Narragansett, RI/Narragansett) beat a defender and lofted a shot over the Salem State keeper that landed just wide of the goal.
The Gulls were dealt a huge blow in the 60 minute when team captain Eric Booth (Belchertown, MA/Belchertown) was sent off after receiving his second yellow card and subsequent red card. EC would play much of the second half down a man and Salem State took advantage as Andrew Angus patrolled the weak side and scored the Vikings second goal, only three minutes after Booth was sent off.
The Gulls were not without scoring opportunities however, Pirapong Sirikietsoong (Bankok, Thailand) or "Tapp" as he is known, was a constant threat to break through Salem's defense and pull EC back into the game. Despite their strong defense and scoring opportunities the Gulls have been unable to find the back of the net in their first two games.
Salem State goal keeper Pawel Brzyczy made two saves to earn the shut out. The Gulls were out shot 12-9 in the loss and drop to 0-2 on the season. EC will next travel to UMass-Dartmouth on Thursday night and Wentworth on Saturday before returning home to take on CCC rivals New England College Tuesday night.
