By Adam Levine
Sports Editor
The Framingham State Rams beat the UMass Boston Beacons 1-0 during their final regular season home matchup Oct. 24.
The Rams improve to an overall record of 9-7-1 and maintain a MASCAC record of 3-3.
Framingham’s goalkeeper, Joey Sturzo, played the full game for the first time since the Rams’ tied with Eastern Connecticut State Oct. 3. Sturzo’s last time in the net was during the Rams’ 4-1 loss to Emerson Oct. 10.
Sturzo, who said he was recovering from a bone bruise on his hip, recorded 10 saves during his third shutout of the season. His last shutout was during the Rams’ 2-0 win over MCLA Sept. 16.
Sturzo said, “I think it was a great team effort.
“Without that back line in front of me, it wouldn’t have been possible. It's all them, not me,” he added.
In the opening half of the game, Framingham only took four shots compared to 11 taken by UMass Boston.
The Beacons’ offense pressured the Rams, but halted with offside calls five times in the first half.
During the 29th minute of the match, Framingham substituted forward Brian Penney and midfielder Kauan Gomes for forwards Jeffson Malachie and Karl Hemmingsen.
Less than three minutes after being substituted into the game, Gomes found an opening and scored for the Rams.
Gomes, a freshman, scored his first goal of the season and first as a Ram.
“It was amazing,” he said. “It couldn't have come at a better time to be honest - it was really good.
The Rams led 1-0 entering the second half.
After recording four saves in the first half, Sturzo recorded another six saves in the second half.
Gomes’ goal won the game for the Rams.
He said, “I feel good right now.
“We battled out a four[-game] win streak the past four games, so we’re looking good,” Gomes added.
Framingham travels to Fitchburg State for their final game of the regular season in a MASCAC matchup Oct. 28.
With just one game left to the season, the Rams hope to enter the MASCAC Tournament on a five-game win streak.
The Rams, who began their season with a record of 4-1, lost momentum during the mid-point of their season.
During the eight games from Sept. 19 - Oct. 14., the Rams held a record of 1-6-1.
Framingham’s defender, Lachlan Forgan, said, “I think we got a bit ahead of ourselves - a bit too confident.
“We just stopped playing to our potential and now we're really locked in, realizing how hard we have to fight,” he added.
Lachlan said the team has momentum and is “feeling good” going into the MASCAC Tournament.
He said, “We’ve got to take care of business.
“We've lost some close games, so we’ve just got to stay focused,” added Lachlan.