CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- The Coast Guard Academy Men's Soccer team went toe-to-toe with the Engineers of MIT this evening and came up just short; the result of an unfriendly rebound off a free kick. 

In the sixtieth minute of gameplay, MIT was awarded a free kick, following a yellow card from Coast Guard senior, John DiTommaso. Bears goalkeeper, Wolfgang Pfleghar, who has been tough all season long, was once again up to the test. Pfleghar successfully deflected the first shot attempt from MIT, however was unable to firmly secure the ball on the save. After a rebound directly to his feet, MIT forward, John Flynn buried the ball into the right corner of the goal to take the 1-0 lead. That goal would ultimately be the difference in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) match-up. 

Aside from that one unfortunate break, Coast Guard and MIT battled in what was an exciting game. After a scoreless first half, the two teams traded shots on net. Coast Guard's John Flood and Jude Sargent fired off multiple attempts on goal, however none were able to get by the outstretched hands of MIT's goalkeeper.

When the dust settled, despite out-shooting the Engineers, having more shot on goal, more corner kicks and a stronger defensive presence, the Bears dropped their first game of the year. They move to 6-1-1 on the season and 1-1-1 in the NEWMAC. MIT improves to 6-5-0 on the year, but a strong 3-0-0 in the NEWMAC. 

Head Coach Chris Parsons, while disappointed, remains optimistic for his squad moving forward into the thick of their schedule. 

"Tonight was a tough first loss of the season. The team was not short on effort, nor grit. Unfortunately, the ball just did not find the back of the net today. Our staff is proud of the boys for battling for the full ninety minutes."

The next test for the Bears will come on Tuesday evening, October 4th, 2022 at 6pm EST when they host Wesleyan University on Nitchman Field.