Men's Soccer Shuts Out MCLA in MASCAC Opener

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - The visiting Worcester State University Men's Soccer team scored three goals in the second half to pull away from MCLA and earn a 3-0 MASCAC victory Friday evening in the conference opener for both teams. The Lancers improve to 2-3-1 overall and are 1-0 in the MASCAC. MCLA drops to 0-4-1 and sits at 0-1 in the league.

Worcester's Bryan Brasil (Williamsburg, Mass.) scored a pair of penalty kick goals for the Lancers and Ethan Melia (Shrewsbury, Mass.) added the closing marker.

After a scoreless first half, the Lancers took over. They controlled play in the second half outshooting MCLA 13-2 and finally broke through in the 50^th minute.  After a Lancer was taken down in the box, Brasil stepped up for the ensuing PK. He hit the left post but it slipped inside the corner anyhow and the Lancers led 1-0.

They would finally put some distance between the two teams in the 78^th minute when again a foul in the penalty area cost the Trailblazers. Brasil once again was the beneficiary and calmly pocketed the ball into the upper left corner for a 2-0 advantage.

Just two minutes later, Melia converted after a long pass from Jack Kellard (St. Albans, England) to account for the 3-0 final score.

In the opening half of play, both sides had quality chances. The Lancers owned a 10-5 shot advantage over MCLA and had a few golden chances to break the ice. Gift Kalombo (Worcester, Mass.) ripped a shot that Sean Bradshaw just got a finger on with 18 minutes and teammate Brasil's acrobatic attempt was met with a great save from Bradshaw just four minutes later keeping it scoreless.

MCLA appeared to breakthrough with just four minutes remaining in the half. Colin Rousseau appeared to slip one past Lancer keeper Henri Guilmette (Franklin, Mass.), but the Trailblazers were whistled for an offside call keeping the hosts off the scoreboard.

Guilmette earned the win stopping three shots for the Lancers. MCLA's Bradshaw collected 5 saves in the loss.