Last year, WPI finished with a winning record for the first time since 1994, sparked by a 7-3 upset win at Union. The victory snapped a 22-year losing streak and was one of only two losses on the season for the Dutchmen. The Engineers looked to be taking the path of victory again with a 3-point lead at halftime, but a strong second half and four WPI turnovers helped Union prevail last Saturday afternoon, 37-17.
The Family Day crowd at Alumni Field watched the visitors jump out to a 14-0 lead in the first 4:18 of the game, but WPI scored the next 17 points to take the lead going into halftime. Senior running back Nick Fluet (Leominster, MA) scampered in from 44 yards out to get WPI on the board. Josh Morrison (Langdon, NH) added the extra point, and then the junior placekicker tacked on a 36-yard field goal to bring the score to 14-10.
With 1:33 remaining in the half, junior QB Chris Busso (Smithtown, NY) gave the Engineers the lead with a 5-yard run into the endzone. However, Union outscored WPI 23-0 in the second half to take the victory, avenging last year's stinging defeat.
Junior FB Eric Thiboutot (Nashua, NH) ran for 119 of WPI's 175 rushing yards, including a 64-yard burst. Busso threw 14 completions for 112 yards with one interception, and freshman WR John Carnevale (East Providence, RI) caught 9 passes for 36 yards on the afternoon.
The Engineers (1-2) hit the road next week, traveling to the Empire State to take on RPI this Saturday in Troy, NY. The next home game is a week from Saturday, when Kings Point tries to avenge a 49-28 loss to WPI last year. Kickoff is at 2:00pm, and students get in free, so come on down to the turf and show some school spirit!