Men's Soccer Posts First Win over Wheaton

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University men's soccer team posted their first ever victory over visiting Wheaton College as the Bears downed the Lyons, 1-0, on Wednesday night at newly renovated Swenson Field.

The Bears snapped a 16-game losing streak against the Lyons as the two teams first met back in 1992 and have played every season since 1996.  Coming into the game, Wheaton was ranked sixth in the latest New England Division III poll while Bridgewater was tied for ninth. 

Sophomore forward Simao Mendes (Brockton, Mass.) tallied the game's only goal in the 15th minute of play.  Mendes notched his fifth marker of the season as he headed the ball into the top-right corner of the net off a long cross from junior midfielder Donald Flores (Cranston, R.I.).

That goal would stand up the rest of the way thanks to some outstanding goaltending by BSU junior DJ Siewierski (Stow, Mass.).  Siewierski made ten saves on the evening and was kept busy throughout the game as Wheaton outshot Bridgewater, 25-5, with a 15-2 edge in the second half.  The shutout was his fifth of the season.

Wheaton senior goaltender Chris Smart (Brookfield, Conn.) made two saves between the pipes for the visitors.

Bridgewater nearly made it a two-goal advantage early in the second half.  Flores drilled a shot that was labeled for inside the near-post, but Smart made a diving save and deflected the shot off the crossbar and over the net. 

Senior forward Yuri Moreira (Marlboro, Mass.) rang the crossbar for the Lyons in the 60th minute of play.  Senior defender David Winrow (South Weymouth, Mass.) had a glorious chance to tally the equalizing goal for Wheaton in the 62nd minute off a corner with Siewierski out of position, but his shot was turned away by BSU freshman defender David Wilson (Charlton, Mass.).

Bridgewater (10-3) will host MASCAC foe Mass. Maritime Academy on Saturday at noon.  Wheaton (9-4-2) entertains NEWMAC rival Babson College on Saturday at 1.