Men's Soccer rally falls just short in 2-1 loss to Eastern Nazarene
North Adams, MA- The visiting Eastern Nazarene Men's Soccer team scored two first half goals and then held off MCLA in the second to earn a hard fought 2-1 win this afternoon at Shewcraft Field. Eastern Nazarene is now 2-1 on the season while MCLA dips to 0-3.
The visitors broke through in the opening half at the 20 minute mark. Bryan Vargas would tally an unassisted goal as he took advantage of a defensive miscue to give ENC a 1-0 lead. Just two minutes later, the Lions added another goal on Diego Sanchez' marker in the 22nd minute.
MCLA had a golden chance to get on the board later in the half. After pressuring the Lions in the right corner, Junior Florent lifted a cross towards the box. ENC headed it away, but MCLA's Cola Bean would gather the ball and launch a shot just outside the box that hit the crossbar.
Both sides mustered seven shots in the opening half of play.
The Trailblazers came out inspired in the second half and quickly cut into the deficit. MCLA's Conor Green lofted a cross across the box that found Florent on the right flank. After one touch, Florent would rip a shot into the upper left corner that beat ENC keeper Antonio Soto Valente to make it 2-1 in the 51st minute of play.
MCLA had chances late but couldn't get one past Soto Valente giving ENC the win.
ENC held a slim 16-15 shot advantage and MCLA held a 5-3 mark in corners.
The Trailblazers are off for two weeks before they open conference play.