Men's Soccer shuts out Johnson State 3-0 in season opener
Norwich, VT- The MCLA Men's Soccer team got off to a solid start in 2013 as they defeated Johnson State 3-0 this afternoon in the Norwich Cadet Kickoff Classic. The Trailblazers recieved a pair of goals off the bench from freshman forward Dylan Pereira in the win.
MCLA got on the board in the 20th minute when Pereira took a Romeo Gray cross and belted a shot to the right post to beat Johnson keeper Ryan Belen for a 1-0 advantage. In the 35th minute, Pereira would strike again. This time, he spun around Belen and was unobstructed to easily give the Trailblazers a 2-0 lead. MCLA would take that advantage into halftime as they dominated the opening half outshooting Johnson 17-1.
Robert Dalby would tally the lone second half goal scoring off of a direct kick in the 65th minute. The Trailblazers continued to control the pace going on to outshoot Johnson 30-3 over the ninety minutes.
Matt Robinson earned the shutout victory, although he only faced three shots, turning away one. Belen finished with 14 saves for Johnson in a losing effort.
MCLA is back in action tomorrow when they challenge Green Mountain in the second day of the classic. Johnson State will face the host Norwich Cadets.