Owls’ men’s soccer seniors were recognized prior to their final regular season home game. (Photo courtesy of Westfield State Sports)
WESTFIELD – Bridgewater State soccer defeated Westfield State, 1-0, in a battle for the top spot in the MASCAC standings on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Alumni Field.
The Owls fall to 5-9-1, 4-2 in the MASCAC, while the Bears improve to 13-2-1 and 6-0 heading into the final week of the regular season.
The Bears attacked in the seventh minute on a corner kick for the game’s only goal. Diego DelasCasas (Miami, Fla./ Miami Killian) served the ball to the far post connecting with Jonathan Pires (Medford, Mass./ Medford) whose header filled the net at point blank range.
Westfield had their best chance of the day to draw even when Brodie Keene (Feeding Hills, Mass./ Agawam) attempted to chip Bridgewater keeper, Colin Jepson (Sandwich, Mass./ Upper Cape Cod Regional), from 30 yards. The lobbed shot was punched high by a fully extended Jepson before the deflection hit the top half of the crossbar.
Prior to the game Westfield’s five seniors were recognized for their contributions to the program- Pat Collins (West Newbury, Mass./ Pentucket Regional), Kevin Bengle (West Springfield, Mass./ West Springfield), Matt Carvalho (Chicopee, Mass./ Chicopee), Zach Horn (Carver, Mass./ Old Colony) and Jack Fisher (Rehoboth, Mass./ Dighton-Rehoboth).
Owls’ keeper Alex Kraver (West Springfield, Mass./ West Springfield) made seven saves on the day and Jepson registered nine for the shutout including eight in the second half.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 7:00 p.m. Westfield travels to Danbury, Conn. to face Western Connecticut and Bridgewater hosts Babson.
