Pereira's golden goal 16 seconds into OT lifts MCLA past MMA 1-0 in Men's Soccer
North Adams, MA- MCLA's Dylan Pereira scored just 16 seconds into overtime in lifting the Trailblazers men's soccer team past the visiting Massachusetts Maritime Academy 1-0 at chilly Shewcraft Field this afternoon. The much needed victory for MCLA moves them to 2-3 in conference play and 3-7-2 overall. MMA drops to 4-8 overall and also at 2-3 in the MASCAC.
Pereira wasted little time and used some good fortune on his way to the golden goal. The MCLA offense sent the kickoff into the Buccaneer box and when a defender cleared the ball, he sent it directly to Pereira about 25 yards out. The junior belted a low rocket that short hopped MMA keeper Joe Cohen, bouncing off his gloves and into the net for the game winner. The goal was Pereira's fourth of the season.
In regulation, neither team could mount much offense as they combined for just six shots on goal.
In the second half, Maritime generated some quality scoring chances, none better than in the 70th minute. Following a corner kick, the ball became loose in the Trailblazer box. MMA's Scott Matoian ripped a shot that a sprawling Kamron Anderson saved keeping the game scoreless.
For the match, MMA outshot the Trailblazers 19-14, however MCLA held a slim 5-3 edge in corners.
Anderson earned the win in net stopping four shots for MCLA.
Cohen absorbed the loss collecting one save for MMA.
The Trailblazers are back in action on Wednesday when they host nationally ranked Montclair State at Shewcraft Field.