Massachusetts Institute of Technology

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Sixth-seeded WPI scored 22 seconds into the match but the No. 3 seed MIT men's soccer team scored two second half goals, with the game-winner coming off the foot of Gianluca Balestrieri with just under four minutes left as MIT held on for the 2-1 win on Roberts Field on Tuesday afternoon. 
 
THE BASICS: 

• Score: MIT 2, WPI 1 
• Records: MIT (8-5-4 Overall), WPI (2-8-6 Overall) 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

• WPI got off to a quick start when Jason Hrkach got the ball in the MIT zone on the far side of the field and sent a cross to Michael Montabana who tucked the ball into the net just 22 seconds into the match. 
• MIT had numerous scoring opportunities in the first half, out-shooting WPI 11-2 and holding an 11-1 advantage in corner kicks. 
• The Engineers broke through in the 59th minute as an Eli Mick throw in to the front of the goal was knocked out right to a waiting Nico Mangiafico who buried a close range shot to tie the match at 58:05. 
• Balestrieri got past the WPI defense on the near side and powered a shot into the far corner of the goal at 85:57 to secure the win. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: 

• This is the first postseason meeting between the teams since 2011 and fourth overall as MIT holds a 3-1 advantage in postseason play over WPI. 
• This is MIT's first semifinal appearance since 2022. 
• Mangiafico scored his third goal of the season while Balestrieri got his fourth. 
• Nicholas Santos Shin made one save and improved to 6-2-2. 

UP NEXT: 

• The Engineers will travel to two-seeded Wheaton for the semifinals. The match will take place on Friday, November 6 at 2:00 PM. The Lyons earned a 2-0 victory in the regular season. 

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