Men's Soccer shuts out Johnson State 3-0 in season opener

Norwich, VT- The MCLA Men's Soccer team got off to a solid start in 2013 as they defeated Johnson State 3-0 this afternoon in the Norwich Cadet Kickoff Classic.  The Trailblazers recieved a pair of goals off the bench from freshman forward Dylan Pereira in the win. 

MCLA got on the board in the 20th minute when Pereira took a Romeo Gray cross and belted a shot to the right post to beat Johnson keeper Ryan Belen for a 1-0 advantage.  In the 35th minute, Pereira would strike again.  This time, he spun around Belen and was unobstructed to easily give the Trailblazers a 2-0 lead.  MCLA would take that advantage into halftime as they dominated the opening half outshooting Johnson 17-1.

Robert Dalby would tally the lone second half goal scoring off of a direct kick in the 65th minute.  The Trailblazers continued to control the pace going on to outshoot Johnson 30-3 over the ninety minutes.

Matt Robinson earned the shutout victory, although he only faced three shots, turning away one.  Belen finished with 14 saves for Johnson in a losing effort.

MCLA is back in action tomorrow when they challenge Green Mountain in the second day of the classic.  Johnson State will face the host Norwich Cadets.