Men's Soccer Opens MASCAC Play with 1-0 Win Over MCLA

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Junior forward Kevin Roberts (Medway, Mass.) potted the game's only goal in the 64th minute to lift the visiting Bridgewater State University men's soccer team to a 1-0 shutout victory over MCLA in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletics Conference (MASCAC) matchup on Friday evening at Shewcraft Field. The game marked the MASCAC opener for both teams.

The win was the Bears' first of the season as they are now 1-5-1 overall and, more importantly, 1-0 in the MASCAC. MCLA dips to 1-5 overall and 0-1 in conference play.

The two teams didn't generate much offense in the opening half of play combining for 13 shots with just three on target. The pace quickened in the second half and a hustle play from the Bears proved critical.

BSU controlled the ball in the midfield and sent a through ball towards the right corner flag. A hustling freshman forward David Nelson (East Bridgewater, Mass.) ran down the ball and sent a cross to a streaking Roberts who ripped a shot from close range that beat the MCLA keeper for the eventual game-winner. The goal was the second of the season for Roberts and the 13th of his career. Nelson picked up his first collegiate assist.

MCLA mustered up six shots in the second half, but just one was on frame.

The Bears owned a 16-11 shot advantage for the game and a 9-4 edge in corner kick attempts. The physical game saw 31 fouls and the two teams combined for five cards.

BSU senior netminder Nate Morgado (Dartmouth, Mass.) made two saves to record the 22nd win of his career and 13th shutout.

Freshman Sam Edge (Williamstown, Mass.) absorbed the loss for MCLA collecting five saves on the night.

The Bears travel to UMass Boston on Monday night to take on the Beacons at seven. The Trailblazers host Sage on Tuesday evening at seven.