FITCHBURG, Mass. – The Bridgewater State University men's soccer team opened its 2012 MASCAC slate this evening, as the visiting Bears blanked Fitchburg University, 1-0, at Elliot Field in Fitchburg.

Both teams played seemingly even throughout the 90 minute contest with Bridgewater State holding a slim 12-10 advantage in shots. The lone goal of the contest occurred early in the match as Bears' senior forward Braima Samati (Boston, Mass.) found a loose ball in front of Fitchburg State sophomore Aidan Hanratty (East Bridgewater, Mass.) and slipped it past the Falcon keeper for a 1-0 advantage. Junior forward Craig Shadduck (Braintree, Mass.) assisted on the play, registering his third point of the season.

In the second half, neither team was able to muster more offense as 11 combined shots was all the goalkeepers witnessed. The Bears saw seven opportunities on the offensive end, including six on net, while the Falcons were limited to just four attempts throughout the half with three going on target.

Between the pipes, BSU junior goaltender Matt Bagley (Braintree, Mass.) stopped three shots for his first career shutout victory.  Hanratty turned away six-of-seven Bridgewater State shots in the losing effort.

Fitchburg State (1-4-1, 0-1-0 MASCAC) returns to action on Wednesday as it hosts WPI at 7 p.m. Bridgewater State (1-4-0, 1-0-0 MASCAC) will host Rhode Island College on Tuesday at 7 p.m.