Box Score NEW LONDON, Conn. – Freshman Luke Telang's scored the game winning goal late in the second half to break a0-0 tie and push the Bears to victory in the latest installment of the Coast Guard, Merchant Marine rivalry.
Telang took a pass in the 82nd minute from junior Alex Lane just inside the Mariner's 18 yard box. Telang beat his defender with two quick stepovers and drove the ball into the back of net for his first goal of the season and his collegiate career. He was mobbed by his teammates in the corner after the goal which proved to be the game winner.
Senior Richie Burns was called on to make only one save in the shutout but it proved to be crucial in the decision of the game. Merchant Marine had a free kick late in the first half. The service into the box connected with Merchant Marine senior Alex Maney. Maney turned and sent a bullet on goal. Burns dove to his left to get his hand s to the ball and deflect it off the post. This was Burns third shutout of the season and the 19th of his career. The Bears are now 5-0-0 on the season
The game was mostly a defensive stalemate with few shots being taken on goal. One opportunity that stood out for the Bears came on a set piece in the first half were a quick combination from the restart found senior John Tarzian alone on the left of the Mariner's penalty box. The ball however was just out of Tarzian's reach and trickled out of play.
This was Coast Guard's third victory in a row over Merchant Marine, and second in a row by shutout.
Merchant Marine goal keeper sophomore Cory Maier made zero saves in a losing effort dropping the Mariner's record to 3-2-1.
"It was a great team effort capped off by a fantastic goal by a freshman," said Coast Guard head coach Chris Parsons. "Luke took his defender on, beat him and buried the game winner."
The Bears return to action on Monday when they travel to Throggs Neck New York to try and push their record to 6-0-0 for the time since 1994 against the SUNY Maritime Privateers. Game time is 6:00 pm.
