SPRINGFIELD, Mass.-- Maitoe Suppasuesanguan scored in the first minute for Springfield as the Pride defeated Coast Guard men's soccer 1-0 in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action on Saturday afternoon. The Bears drop to 8-4-1 overall and 2-3 in conference play, while the Pride improve to 8-4 on the season and 3-2 in the NEWMAC.

Suppasuesanguan put away his first goal of the season, unassisted in the opening minute of play with the eventual game-winner for Springfield.

Coast Guard began the half aggressively, in hopes of evening the game at 1-1. In the 48th-minute, Robbie Fugett received a pass and open opportunity to score for the Bears, but Springfield goalkeeper Clayton Knibbs made a big effort to dive and stop the chance and keep the score at 1-0. Coast Guard would attempt to cut into the deficit several more times in the second half, yet Springfield defenders were able to clear the ball away each time. In the 80th-minute, John Flood took a direct kick that had a chance, but went high, then in the final minute, Coast Guard looked for the tie. Robbie Fugett landed the corner kick into the box, but Knibbs, again, rose above the crowd and took away the chance as the Pride finished with a 1-0 victory. 

The Bears outshot Springfield 14-11 and had a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Coast Guard junior goalkeeper John Vaaler made two saves and is 5-2-1 on the season, while Knibbs made five saves for the Pride and improved to 6-3 on the season.

The Bears are back home in non-conference action on Tuesday, October 19 at 7 PM against Mass. Maritime.