Framingham State Defeats Salem State 1-0

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Lachlan Forgan's first half goal was the difference as Framingham State held on to defeat Salem State 1-0 in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference match on Saturday at Maple St. Field. The Rams go to 6-3-1 on the season and remain unbeaten in the MASCAC (3-0). The Vikings slip to 5-4-1 and 2-1 in the conference.

Forgan launched a shot from 30 yards out the tucked just underneath the crossbar for the game's only score in the 41st minute. It was the first regular season conference goal allowed by the Vikings' defense in 23 games, dating back to the final regular season game of the 2019 season, a 5-1 win over Fitchburg State.

The top two teams in the conference battled in tightly-contested game, as 27 fouls were called, with 18 going against Salem State. The Rams pressured the Vikings's early, but were unable to solve Salem State's backline, who were able to keep Framingham State's top three scorers  in check. However, it was Forgan, who broke the deadlock with a perfectly placed ball that sailed over the top of keeper Matt Hauntsman's  outstretched hands.

The Rams held an 8-3 advantage in shots in the first half and limited Salem State to just one shot on net in the second half as Framingham State was able to ride their one-goal advantage into a win.  

James Hartshorn made just one save in the victory. Hauntsman stopped seven shots for the Vikings.