Falcons Hold Off MCLA, 2-1

Brassard's first collegiate tally lifts Falcons to key MASCAC victory

FITCHBURG, Mass. – The Fitchburg State men's soccer team defeated the Trailblazers of MCLA, 2-1 in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action this afternoon at Elliot Field.

Prior to the game, the Fitchburg State men's soccer team honored the five seniors playing in their final regular season. #10 Steven Martinez, #11 Nicholas Masley, #12 Mauro Gimenez, #16 Jared Burns and #20 Connor Kneeland.

Fitchburg State opened the scoring with just over four minutes remaining in the first half as freshman Matthew Krikorian converted a breakaway attempt, tucking the ball inside the near post for his team-leading sixth tally on the season for the 1-0 margin going into intermission.

Following the break, the Trailblazers knotted the score (1-1) at the 84:04 mark when senior forward Anthony Bastile collected a feed from freshman defender Ryan Wanek and deposited the ball into the upper right corner for his sixth goal of the season.

The Falcons regained the lead roughly a minute and half later as freshman defender Nolan Brassard settled a loose ball 20 yards out and ripped a shot into the right side of the net for his first collegiate marker, resulting in the 2-1 final.

Throughout the game, Fitchburg State finished with a slim 10-7 margin in shots, while also holding a 3-1 edge in corner kicks. In goal, junior Alex Al-Zaibak made two saves for the Falcons in the complete game effort, while counterpart Kameron Anderson stopped three shots for the Trailblazers in 90 minutes of work

Fitchburg State (4-10-1, 2-4-0 MASCAC) returns to action on Tuesday as it hosts the Pride of Springfield College for a contest starting at 7 p.m. MCLA (7-6-1, 3-2-1 MASCAC) will host the Falcons of Albertus Magnus on Tuesday at 5 p.m.