WILLIMANTIC, Conn. - Eastern Connecticut freshmen Nicholas Warren (Southbury, Conn.) and Ryan Pomroy (Ivoryton, Conn.) connected for their first career points with 2:13 left to lift the Warriors to a 1-0 non-conference victory over Bridgewater State in their home-opener Saturday afternoon at Thomas Nevers Field.
In the first meeting between the progam's in five years, No. 10-New England ranked Eastern (1-1-1) held a 12-3 advantage in shots, surrendered only one corner kick, and threatened several times in the first half but could not break through until the final minutes in handing the Bears (0-2-0) its second 1-0 loss of the season.
With the clock heading toward two minutes in a scoreless match, Pomroy sent a low cross into the box. The pass was beyond the reach of diving Bridgewater senior keeper Matt Bagley (Braintree, Mass.) and onto the foot of a charging Warren, who tapped it past the defeated keeper.
Eastern Connecticut senior Mitch Power (Douglas, Mass.) and freshman Mark Richards (Springfield, Mass.) each created several scoring chances for themselves, but neither break the tie.
Richards found Powers with a pass with two minutes left in the first half, but Power's header was just off target. Early in the second half, Power found, but Bagley was equal to the task, diving to make one of his four saves. Three minutes later, Power sent a cross to Richards, but his attempt sailed wide.
Bridgewater States counterattack produced a number of second-half bids, but Eastern starting defense of seniors Mike Radlbeck (Westbrook, Conn.), Carl Stensland (Storrs, Conn.), sophomore Cooper D'Ambrosio (Andover, Conn.) and freshman Emmanel Caicedo (Manchester, Conn.) prevented the visitors from finding significant space once within the box.
Bear senior Colin Neri (Upton, MA) had BSU's lone bid as the Warriors enjoyed a 12-3 edge in shot attempts.
Eastern freshman keeper Greg Walton (Brunswick, Me.) was active in the first half, coming off his line to take away Bridgewater opportunities as he finished with one save.
Eastern hosts Ramapo College of New Jersey next Saturday at 2 PM while Bridgewater State hosts Plymouth State tomorrow at the same time.
Major Portions Of Release Courtesy of Eastern Connecticut Sports Information