Second half rally lifts MCLA past Castleton in CIAO Classic 3-2
North Adams, MA- Trailing 2-1 midway through the second half, the MCLA Trailblazers were in need of a spark against the Castleton State Spartans. Trailblazer Edward Boateng ignited a rally in the 74th minute converting to tie the game, and just two minutes later Dylan Pereira netted the game winner lifting MCLA past Castleton 3-2 in a well played contest at Shewcraft Field in the CIAO Classic.
The Spartans are still searching for their first win and fall to 0-3 while MCLA improves to 3-1 on the season.
After being tied at halftime, Castleton used a Spencer Dandurand marker in the 55th minute to take a 2-1 lead. MCLA couldn't mount much of an attack in the second half until the flurry in the 74th minute. After a Spartan turnover, Pereira would find himself alone with Castleton keeper Dan Palkner. Palkner denied Pereira, however the loose ball would be corralled by Boateng. After gathering himself, he lofted a beautiful shot into the upper left corner tying the game at 2.
Just 2:26 later, Pereira would push the ball into the box on the left wing. The sophomore would fire a shot into the upper right corner giving MCLA their first lead at 3-2. MCLA kept the pressure on the Spartans for the remainder of the half but couldn't extend the lead.
Castleton attempted to push forward late, but the Trailblazer defense held.
Castleton struck first as they applied constant pressure on the MCLA defense through much of the opening half. In the 14th minute, Bryce Kaler converted a perfect thru pass from Ndayisenga Van Dame for an early 1-0. The Spartans controlled much of the action until MCLA finally countered.
In the 40th minute, Jesse Moore sent a ball forward from deep in the Trailblazer half of the field. The pass allowed Kwadwo Kusi to outrun the Spartan defense and he would be one on one with Palkner. Palkner attempted to come off the line, but Kusi easily chipped it past him to knot the score at 1-1 heading into halftime.
Castleton would outshoot MCLA 14-8 in the half while holding a 3-1 edge in corners.
For the match, Palkner would finish with three saves, while Matt Robinson earned the win stopping six shots. Castleton out shot MCLA 22-19 in the match, however the Trailblazers held an 11-8 advantage in the decisive second half.
MCLA is back in action on Wednesday when they travel to Sage College.