MCLA captures CIAO Classic, Coe named top defender

North Adams, MA- The MCLA men's soccer team captured the 2009 CIAO Classic championship by defeating Western Connecticut State 1-0 this afternoon at Ron Shewcraft Field.  With the victory, MCLA moves to 2-0 on the young season, while Western Connecticut drops to 1-2.

In a game of limited opportunities, MCLA tallied the only goal in the 20^th minute of the first half when freshman Jake McCall (Lincoln, RI) netted his first collegiate goal.  McCall scored on a rebound after Western keeper Keith Guillette denied Joe Deady (Belchertown, MA) from close range.  The Colonials controlled much of the play in the first half as they outshot MCLA by a 13-3 margin, however they were continually turned away by MCLA senior keeper Evan Coe (Hopewell Jct., NY). 

Coe would again be tested in the second half as the Colonials turned up the pressure.  Western Connecticut appeared to tie the game in the 75^th minute when an apparent goal was nullified when the Colonials were whistled for being offside.   Shortly thereafter, the Colonials hit the post and Coe had to go fully extended to deny a rebound from Luis Duque.  The Colonials would not mount any serious chances after that exchange. 

On the day, Western Connecticut outshot MCLA 28-6 and had the advantage in corner kicks 9-3.  Coe finished the day with nine saves in earning the tournament Most Outstanding Defender.  Western Connecticut keeper Keith Guillette finished with four saves in defeat.  MCLA is off until September 15^th when they host New England College at 4:30.  Western Connecticut returns to action when they travel to William Patterson this Tuesday.