MCLA falls to Union 1-0 in CIAO Classic opener

North Adams, MA-  MCLA fell this afternoon to visiting Union College 1-0 in the opening game of the 2010 CIAO Classic.  With the setback, the Trailblazers fall to 2-1 on the season while Union improves to 3-0-1.

The physical contest saw Union control play for much of the first half consistently challenging MCLA keeper Adam Tarsa.  Union had a great chance early as forward Sahr Nyuma had Tarsa beat and sent a low shot towards the left side of the net.  Trailblazer defender Charles Donovan-Martin came sliding in to make a tremendous save.  Union outshot MCLA 16-2 in the first half. 

After the scoreless opening half, the Dutchmen continued the pressure.  After a few great saves from Tarsa, the Dutchmen found the back of the net in the 70th minute when junior Kevan Benn took a cross from Craig Santangelo beating the MCLA keeper.

MCLA had limited opportunities in the game as they sent only one shot on net all game.  Their best scoring chance came with under five minutes to play when Jake McCall took a cross and attempted to chip it over Union keeper Adam Marguiles.  The shot sailed just over the crossbar.

For the game, Union outshot MCLA 23-3 and held a decisive 10-3 edge in corners. 

Tarsa had nine saves in net for the Trailblazers.  MCLA will play SUNY-Potsdam tomorrow while Union will challenge St. Joseph's (LI).

St. Joseph's (LI) rallies past SUNY Potsdam in Game two of CIAO Classic 3-2

In the second game of the afternoon St. Joseph's (LI) rallied from a two goal deficit in the second half and pulled out a last minute 3-2 victory over Potsdam State (0-3). Terrence Dzus scored the game winner with just 1:07 showing on the clock.

The game was pretty even in the first half but Potsdam was opportunistic scoring twice in the first 25 minutes of the game.  Tim Ciampa made it 1-0 at the twelve minute mark beating St. Joseph goalkeeper Peter Ryan. Twelve minutes later Ciampa was on the score sheet again assisting on an Alex Minsker goal, and putting Potsdam in control.

St. Joseph's (3-1) came out in the second half and carried most of the play, however the Potsdam defense and goalie Joe Glackin wouldn't budge early.  John Dettori finally got St. Joe's on the board thirteen minutes into the half and St. Joe's kept up the attack for the remainder of the game. Dzus scored his first goal of the game fourteen minutes later knotting the game at two and setting the stage for the dramatic finish.

Peter made five saves and earned the victory, while Glackin made six stops for Potsdam. St. Joseph's out shot Potsdam 14-3 in the second half and 22-8 for the game.

MCLA will play SUNY-Potsdam tomorrow at 12:00PM while Union will follow with St. Joseph's (LI) at 2:00PM.