DANBURY, Conn. - The Western Connecticut State University men's soccer team remained undefeated in Little East Conference play as they outlasted visiting archrival Eastern Connecticut, 2-1, on Wednesday evening at the Westside Athletic Complex. Rookie midfielder Jokin Martinez (Jamaica, N.Y.) and classmate midfielder Matthews Rocha (Danbury, Conn.) each netted goals to lift the Wolves to their fourth straight win over the Warriors.

With the victory, WestConn - ranked No. 8 in the latest regional poll - improved to 11-5-3 overall and have now earned a first round bye in the upcoming LEC Championship Tournament. Eastern dropped to 8-6 and 4-2. 

The first half was a back-and-forth battle in the middle of the field. The hosts ended up with a 4-2 advantage in shots at the break. The second half was a different story as the squads combined for a trio of goals. The Wolves drew first blood when senior Nikolas Chevres (Miami, Fla.) found Rocha, who knocked in his sixth goal of the season in the 48th minute of play. Each team had opportunities to score on ensuing rushes up the field. Sophomore midfielder Nickolas Santana (New Haven, Conn.) - currently ranked No. 3 in the nation in scoring with 17 goals - nearly added the insurance marker. However, two of his hard-fought attempts just sailed wide of the iron by inches. The Wolves eventually broke through again to give them a 2-0 cushion when Martinez ripped a shot that deflected off a defender and found the back of the net in the 71st minute.

Moments later, the Warriors struck back as they were awarded a penalty kick attempt. WestConn rookie netminder Makai Smith (Bridgeport, Conn.) came up big once again with a stellar save but the rebound was quickly gathered by senior forward Niall O'Brien (Guilford, Conn.) and chipped into the open side of the net, shrinking the count to 2-1 with 18 minutes left to play. The Wolves defense picked up the intensity and played with poise to keep Eastern from netting the equalizer.

WestConn returns to action on Senior Day at the WAC on Saturday at 1 p.m. They will seek to finish off the regular season campaign on a positive note against visiting LEC foe Keene State.