WORCESTER , Mass. -- The Brandeis University men's soccer team surrendered its first goal of the season in the 20th minute today and host WPI made it stand up in a non-conference contest tonight in Worcester. Both teams now own a 1-1-1 record on the season.

Early in the 20th minute WPI was awarded a throw-in just past the Brandeis bench.  Mason Perham sent a perfect throw-in to the six-yard box that was headed into the goal by graduate student Francesco Valagussa at 19:03 for his first goal of the season and 11th of his career. 

Both teams had excellent chances to score almost immediately after the goal.  WPI's Luke Savoie saw his rocket stopped by Brandeis junior goalkeeper Quintin Wrabley (Malvern, Pa./Great Valley) at 21:42 while just over a minute later Brandeis senior Sancho Maroto Tobias (Acton, Mass./Lexington) had his bid smothered by Engineer netminder Ryan Martin at 23:01.  
 
Brandeis had the best opportunity in the second stanza. On a free kick by sophomore Rainer Ossellman-Chai (Acton, Mass./Acton-Boxborough Regional) from the right side of the 18-yard box, Maroto Tobias redirected it from the left side towards the far post from about 15 yards out only to see it repelled by a sprawling Martin with 12:57 to go.
 
Martin made five stops in his first action of 2023 before Julian Quaresima came on to work the final 8:52 for the home team.  Wrabley tallied four saves for the visitors.
 
WPI outshot the Judges 11-7 on the night and enjoyed a 9-3 bulge in corners kicks.  Valagussa and Maroto Tobias shared game-high honors with three shots.
 
Both teams are back in action on Saturday, hosting teams from New York.   WPI plays host to Skidmore at noon while Brandeis welcomes Vassar to Waltham for a 2pm kickoff.