By Adam Levine
Staff Writer
The Framingham State Rams defended their home field against the Springfield College Pride, claiming the victory 2-1, Sept. 23.
Springfield dominated possession and were able to take 11 corner kicks and record 26 shots. The Rams had zero corner kicks and only recorded 12 shots.
Rams’ sophomore defender Lachlan Forgan reflected on the match, stating that Springfield, “might’ve outplayed us,” but the team “rallied together, had each others’ backs and fought hard.”
The Pride began by displaying their offensive strength and took two shots within the first four minutes of the match. Rams’ senior goalkeeper Jake Hartshorn saved both of them.
The Rams seemed to catch a break in the sixth minute when one of Springfield’s players received a yellow card.
Rams’ graduate student midfielder Bryce Nardizzi saw an opportunity at the Pride’s net with a free kick 14 minutes into the match. After the missed free kick, another one of Springfield’s players received a yellow card.
The Pride were controlling the match by maintaining possession of the ball. Between the 28 and 32 minute markers, the Rams made three substitutions and the Pride made another four as well.
The fresh legs proved beneficial for the Rams. The Rams marched dominantly down to Springfield’s net. Rams’ freshman forward Gustav Henningsen fought through the Pride’s defenders and crossed the ball over to midfield.
Rams’ Bryce Nardizzi was there to receive Hemmingsen’s pass and was able to hit it past Springfield’s goalkeeper for the first goal of the night.
Just a minute after Bryce Nardizzi’s goal, Hemmingsen found himself with another chance to score. After a foul was called against Springfield, Hemmingsen got set to take a penalty kick.
Hemmingsen discussed his mindset before his penalty kick. He said, “When I ran up, I was just thinking about trying to get it in the back of the net.”
His penalty kick was initially saved by Springifeld’s Clayton Knibbs, but he immediately got his rebound and was able to score the Rams’ second goal of the night.
Both Bryce Nadrizzi and Hemmingsen took another shot at Springfield’s net, but Springfield's goalkeeper saved them both.
The first half ended and the Rams had a 2-0 lead against the Pride.
Springfield started out the half on the attack, but Hartshorn continued his stellar performance in the net and was complemented by the Rams’ strong defense.
The Pride’s advances halted when another one of their players received a yellow card.
Springfield kept possession of the ball for the majority of the next 10 minutes, but were held to just one shot on the Rams’ net. It was blocked and the Rams kept their 2-point lead.
In the 59th minute of the match, Rams’ senior midfielder Jared Nardizzi was called for a foul and received a yellow card.
Fifteen minutes later, FSU’s freshman midfielder Diego Pinto received a yellow card. Springfield was able to capitalize as Jack Rosenberg marched down the field and scored an unassisted goal.
The Rams led the Pride 2-1 with 15 minutes left of the match.
Despite their relentless aggression, the Pride were not able to score again. The Rams held their lead and defeated Springfield with a final score of 2-1.
The Rams look toward their MASCAC matchup against the Salem State Vikings Oct. 1.This will be the Rams third home game in a row and they hope to beat the Vikings and remain undefeated in the MASCAC this season.