Adams Notches 100th Win as Men's Soccer Blanks MCLA, 1-0

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- The visiting Bridgewater State University Bears posted a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the MCLA Trailblazers in MASCAC men's soccer action this afternoon at Shewcraft Field. 

The match also marked the final home game for the eight seniors on MCLA's roster.  The Bears earned a key conference win to even their overall record at 7-7-1 (3-2-1 MASCAC).  MCLA drops to 4-9 overall and 1-5 in the MASCAC.

The victory also marked the 100th career win for Head Coach Brendan Adams.  The all-time winningest coach in BSU men's soccer history, Adams has produced a record of 100-79-20 (.553) in his eleven seasons with the Bears.

After a scoreless first half in which both clubs had opportunities, the visitors would finally break through in the 80th minute.  After an MCLA foul gave BSU a free kick from just outside the box, senior forward Simao Mendes (Brockton, Mass.) pushed the free kick off to junior defender Craig Shadduck (Braintree, Mass.) who blasted a shot that deflected in of MCLA keeper Dillon Wager to give the Bears a 1-0 lead.

Wager was outstanding for MCLA.  He kept the hosts in the contest all afternoon and stopped a breakaway with three minutes left to give MCLA a chance.  The Trailblazers couldn't muster anything though against the tough Bridgewater defense, led by junior keeper Matt Bagley's (Braintree, Mass.) five saves.

BSU owned a 22-12 shot advantage on the afternoon, however held a 13-5 shot advantage in the final 45 minutes.  BSU also held a 6-2 edge in corners.

Bagley evened up his season record with the victory.  Wager absorbed the loss stopping seven shots along the way.

MCLA has a pair of road games remaining in the regular season.  They will travel to Sage on Tuesday, before playing a pivotal MASCAC match with Worcester State on Friday with postseason implications for both teams.

Bridgewater wraps up regular season play with a pair of road contests.  The Bears travel to UMass Dartmouth on Tuesday night (7:00) before taking on MASCAC foe Westfield State University next Saturday afternoon (12:00). The Bears, who are in fourth place in the MASCAC, trail the Owls by a half game in the conference standings.