By Adam Levine
Sports Editor
The Framingham State Rams won their first MASCAC matchup 2-0 against the MCLA Trailblazers Sept. 16.
During the 2022 season, Framingham secured the 2023 MASCAC Regular Season Championship with a conference record of 6-0-1. MCLA finished in fifth place with a conference record of 2-4-1.
The Rams beat the Trailblazers 4-1 in their only matchup during the 2022 season.
During the 31st minute of their 2023 matchup, Framingham’s offense found its first opening against MCLA.
Just minutes before, MCLA found an opening and took a shot. Framigham’s Lachlan Forgan made the defensive save to stop the Trailblazers’ momentum.
On the other end of the field, Framingham’s Kunphel Sinha’s shot hit the crossbar but the Rams continued the pressure.
Framingham’s Gustav Hemmingsen assisted Jack Holt for the first goal of the game and Framingham’s first MASCAC goal of the season.
Framingham controlled the game for the next 10 minutes before striking again.
In the 41st minute, Sinha assisted Hemminsgsen on the second Framingham goal.
After no goals scored in the second half, Framingham’s 2-0 lead at halftime secured their victory over MCLA.
Holt’s goal against MCLA and his assist in Framingham’s 2-1 win over Suffolk Sept. 12 earned him MASCAC Rookie of the Week Sept. 18.
Holt said the team is young and has a large freshman class.
He said players are “starting to work together and find the formula to score.
“It just takes a little bit of time, but we're getting there,” he added.
Hemmingsen’s goal and assist against MCLA and his goal in Framingham’s 2-1 win over Suffolk Sept. 12 earned him MASCAC Offensive Player of the Week Sept. 18.
Hemmingsen said it is “always good to start off with a win.
“We gave it our all out there,” he added.
More recently, the Rams suffered a 1-0 setback to Gordon College in a nonconference matchup Sept. 19.
In a slow game, Framingham and Gordon proved even until the 85th minute.
Framingham recorded 19 shots during the game and Gordon recorded a near-even 18 shots.
In the 85th minute, Gordon’s Benny Simpson, assisted by teammate Noah Martin, scored the only goal of the game.
Despite the loss, Framingham’s goalkeeper, Joey Sturzo, kept up his impressive season in the net, recording eight saves.
Framingham travels to Salem State for another MASCAC matchup Sept. 23.
Hemmingsen said, “Salem is going to be a tough opponent. It's always fun to play against them.
“It's going to be interesting. Hopefully, we get the win and we just work our hardest,” he added.