Trailblazers drop senior day contest to Bridgewater 1-0
Eight MCLA seniors played their final home game this afternoon as the Trailblazers hosted Bridgewater State.
North Adams, MA- The visiting Bridgewater State University Bears posted a hard fought 1-0 victory over the MCLA Trailblazers in MASCAC action this afternoon at Shewcraft Field. The match also marked the final home game for the eight seniors on MCLA's roster. The Bears earned a key conference win to even their overall record at 7-7-1 (3-2-1 MASCAC). MCLA drops to 4-9 overall, 1-5 in the MASCAC.
The Bear victory also marked the 100th career win for Head Coach Brendan Adams.
After a scoreless first half in which both clubs had opportunities, the visitors would finally break through in the 80th minute. After an MCLA foul gave BSU a free kick from just outside the box, Simao Mendes pushed the free kick off to Craig Shadduck. His blast at MCLA keeper Dillon Wager was deflected, however he couldn't keep it out to give the Bears a 1-0 lead.
Wager was outstanding for MCLA. He kept the hosts in the contest all afternoon and stopped a breakaway with three minutes left to give MCLA a chance. The Trailblazers couldn't muster anything though against the tough Bridgewater defense, led by keeper Matt Bagley's five saves.
BSU owned a 22-12 shot advantage on the afternoon, however held a 13-5 shot advantage in the final 45 minutes. BSU also held a 6-2 edge in corners.
Bagley evened up his season record with the victory. Wager absorbed the loss stopping 7 shots along the way.
MCLA has a pair of road games remaining in the regular season. They will travel to Sage on Tuesday, before playing a pivotal MASCAC match with Worcester State on Friday with postseason implications for both teams.