Dias scores but Men’s Soccer nipped by Eastern Connecticut, 2-1
North Adams, MA- The MCLA Men's Soccer team fell to nonconference opponent Eastern Connecticut State University 2-1 this afternoon at Shewcraft Field. With the Win the Warriors improve to 10-5-2 while the Trailblazers drop to 5-8-1.
Eastern Connecticut came out applying tremendous pressure to begin the game and almost cashed in early when a Walter Scudder header bounced off the left post in the 11th minute.
The MCLA defense would continue to be tested and ten minutes later Niall O'Brien would put the Warriors up 1-0 scoring his 4th goal of the season from Larson Richards.
In the 27th minute however, MCLA junior forward Gabe Dias (Shrewsbury, MA) would make a nice run, getting off a shot which drew a handball from a defender in the penalty area. Taking the penalty kick, Dias opted to go high and was just able to sneak it in as it grazed of the crossbar before crossing the line. The goal was the first of the season for Dias and it drew MCLA even at 1-1 which would stand until the second half.
Eastern Connecticut would continue to create quality chances forcing MCLA goalkeeper Sam Edge to make a couple of impressive diving stops.
In the 60th minute however, the Warriors would crack through the Trailblazer defense again as Sean Cafferty would find Cayden Bokous for the go ahead and what would prove to be the game winning goal.
Edge and the MCLA defense would keep the deficit at one, but the Trailblazers were unable to push forward to seek an equalizer.
With the win Eastern Connecticut goalkeeper Dylan Pallanck earned his first victory of the season and improves to 1-3-2 on the season. MCLA keeper Sam Edge made 3 high quality saves in the defeat but falls to 4-8-1.
The Warriors had significant advantages in both shots (18-5) and corner kicks (10-0).
Both teams wrap up their regular seasons this Saturday as Eastern Connecticut visits UMASS Dartmouth at 4pm, and MCLA travels to Bridgewater State for a MASCAC tilt.