MCLA and Potsdam battle to 1-1 draw
North Adams, MA- MCLA senior captain Israel Diaz notched a first half goal, but visiting Potsdam State rallied in the second half to even the score resulting in a 1-1 tie in the CIAO Classic. With the draw, MCLA is now 2-1-1 while Potsdam is 0-3-1.
Diaz' tally came just before the 19th minute of play as he headed home a direct kick off the foot of Robert Dalby. The goal was his first of the season. Potsdam would battle back and actually hold a 12-6 first half shot advantage, but could not come up with the equalizer past MCLA keeper Adam Tarsa.
The second half saw both teams have scoring opportunities as Potsdam clawed their way back in. Potsdam's Tim Ciampa notched his second goal of the CIAO Classic, scoring an unassisted goal beating Tarsa to the left corner.
The Bears threatened to take the lead when Tarsa committed a foul resulting in a penalty kick. Ciempa's attempt was denied by Tarsa with just over 20 minutes to play.
Both teams played very physical as they combined for 39 fouls and six yellow cards.
Potsdam would finish the game with a 23-18 shot edge, while MCLA had the nod in corners 7-5.
Tarsa would finish the day with six stops while Potsdam's Joe Glacking would end the day with 9.
MCLA is back in action on Wednesday when they travel to New England College.