MCLA knocks off Skidmore in season opening Plattsburgh Cardinal classic

Plattsburgh, NY- A second half goal by junior Jake McCall was enough to lead MCLA past Skidmore in the season opener for both teams in the Plattsburgh Cardinal Classic.  McCall's goal came in the 62nd minute off a loose ball in front of the Skidmore goal.

MCLA is now 1-0 while the Thoroughbreds fall to 0-1.  The Trailblazers will now face tournament host Plattsburgh State tomorrow night.

MCLA junior keeper Dillon Wager earned the shutout victory.  Wager turned away both shots that Skidmore put on goal.  The Thoroughbreds outshot MCLA 15-5, however the Trailblazers had a 3-2 edge in shots on goal.

Following a scoreless opening stanza, MCLA dodged a bullet when Skidmore's Brock Bakewell hit the post with a header in the 52nd minute.  Ten minutes later, MCLA used its aggresiveness to score the game winner. 

After a Robert Dalby corner kick was knocked back off the endline, the Trailblazers would get another chance.  Dalby's second corner was knocked into the air where McCall booted it home from close range for a 1-0 lead.

The lead appeared to be in danger following a foul in the box on the Trailblazers resulting in a penalty kick for Skidmore's Aaron Krepack in the 76th minute.  The ensuing shot was wide enabling MCLA to maintain its lead.

Skidmore would continue to pressure in the final minutes earning several corner kicks, yet couldn't grab the equalizer.  Skidmore held a 14-3 edge in corners on the afternoon.

MCLA moves on to play Plattsburgh tomorrow night at 7:30pm