Men's Soccer

North Adams, MA. - The Southern Vermont Mountaineers Men's Soccer Program kicked off its 2008-09 season with a superb defensive effort but couldn't overcome the strength and depth of the experienced TrailBlazers, falling 2-0 to MCLA. The Mountaineers proved to be a much tougher opponent than last year, an 11-2 victory by the Blazers. MCLA did carry the play for much of the day, getting 40 shots off on the afternoon; including 19 on net. Southern Vermont played a much more defensive game mustering only 3 shots; electing to focus on having the Blazers shoot from long range.

MCLA got on the board with 12 minutes into the 1st half as Joe Deady (Belchertown, MA) scored the 1st of his 2 on the day banging home a rebound of a Camilo Bermudez (Lenox, MA) blast from 35 feet. Deady second goal was similar after a shot and save by keeper Aaron Eschler (Gloversville, NY) , Brian Szabo (Needham, MA) tried to fire the rebound through traffic, the ball was blocked and went straight up, where the left footed Deady trapped it, put a move on and blasted a shot to the short side making it 2-0. Adam Tarsa (Adams, MA) made two saves for the Trailblazers to pick up the win in goal.  Raul Escobar (Ashley Falls, MA) played a solid game in the middle and newcomers Chris Nobrega (Mattapoisett, MA) and Gary D'Annunzio (Valley Stream, NY) combined for 10 shots, many being real chances.

Eschler made several nice stops in the 2nd half and kept the game close, Nick Haggerty (Wynantskill, NY) also played solidly for Southern Vermont. Eschler finished the game with 10 saves for the Mountaineers. Southern Vermont (0-1) hosts Delaware Valley on Sunday at 1:00. MCLA (1-0) will travel to New England College on Tuesday at 4:30.