BRUNSWICK, Maine – The Bowdoin College men's soccer team got a second half goal from
Mateo Pacelli to come away with a 1-0 victory in its NESCAC opener on Friday night over Bates College at Pickard Field.
The sixth-ranked Polar Bears improved to 2-0-0 (1-0-0 NESCAC) with the win while the Bobcats (0-2-0, 0-1-0) remain winless on the year.
Game Highlights
- Bowdoin dominated throughout, but were stymied by a tight Bobcat defense in the opening half. The Polar Bears held an 8-2 shot advantage, but Bates goaltender Trevor Hammond made five saves to keep the game knotted at 0-0.
- The Polar Bears increased their pressure to open the second half and it finally paid off with a goal in the 55th minute.
- After a sustained possession, Felipe Rueda Duran beat several defenders and drove a low ball into the box from the left wing. As it crossed through the penalty area, Mateo Pacelli put a toe on it, redirecting it past a diving Hammond at 54:46.
- Bates' best chances to tie it up came in the final ten minutes, as they earned three corner kicks in the closing moments. The Bobcats' lone shot on goal came with under a minute to play and was smothered by Bowdoin's Alex Ainsworth to preserve the shutout.
By The Numbers
- Bowdoin owned a 15-6 edge in shots (6-1 on goal) and 7-4 edge in corner kicks.
- The goal was the second of Pacelli's career as the sophomore scored his first career goal against Maine Maritime last fall.
- Hammond made five saves for the Bobcats while Ainsworth was forced to make just one stop as the Bowdoin defense locked down Bates for the majority of the night.
- Bowdoin is 17-1-6 against Bates dating back to the 2000 season.
Up Next
- Bowdoin will return to action on Sunday when they host Husson in a non-conference match at noon.
