MCLA set to host 25th annual CIAO Classic this weekend at Shewcraft Field

North Adams, MA- The MCLA Men's Soccer program is set to host the 25^th annual CIAO Soccer Classic this weekend as they welcome a strong contingent to Shewcraft Field for the two day event.  Joining the Trailblazers for the classic are Union College, Norwich University, and Castleton State. 

All proceeds from the CIAO  (Community Italian American Organization) benefit the Berkshire County High School Soccer Hall of Fame, along with its scholarship program.  To date, the CIAO organization has granted over $100,000 in local scholarships.

With a strong field in 2013 (Teams have a combined mark of 8-1), the event promises to be competitive.  The host Trailblazers are coming off a strong performance in the Norwich Cadet classic where they went 2-0.  MCLA handled Johnson State before easily disposing of Green Mountain in the tournament.  Freshman forward Dylan Pereira was named the tournament's most outstanding offensive player following his impressive six goal weekend. 

Union College returns to MCLA for the third consecutive season.  The Dutchmen claimed the crown in 2011.  They will enter the weekend after going 2-0 in their own soccer classic last weekend.  They defeated Berkeley 1-0 before nipping Merchant Marine Academy 2-1. 

The Norwich Cadets will enter play having won the Cadet classic last weekend.  Ironically, Norwich and MCLA were both 2-0 in the classic, yet the Cadets won the title by virtue of the tiebreaker.  They currently sit at 2-1 after dropping a tough decision to Plattsburgh State this week.    

Castleton State rounds out the field in 2013.  The Spartans will come to North Adams at 2-0 having just squeaked past Southern Vermont earlier this week.  Castleton will also battle the Trailblazers later this fall when MCLA travels up for a non-league contest.

CIAO Classic Schedule:

Saturday, September 7^th-

Noon- Union (NY) vs. MCLA
2:30pm- Castleton State vs. Norwich

Sunday, September 8^th-

Noon- Castleton vs. Union (NY)
2:30pm- Norwich vs. MCLA

All MCLA contests will have live stats and a webcast available.  Log on to www.mcla.edu/athletics for more information.