BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – The Bridgewater State University men's soccer team picked up a key Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) victory as the Bears blanked visiting Westfield State University, 2-0, on Saturday evening at Swenson Field.

The Bears improve to 7-6-2 on the season and 3-2-1 in the MASCAC, while the Owls fall to 7-6-2 overall and 2-3-1 in conference play. Bridgewater clinched a spot in the MASCAC Tournament with the win.

Sophomore midfielder Kane Moran (Perth, Australia) gave the Bears a 1-0 lead at the break as he scored on a penalty kick in the 13th minute. The goal marked Moran's fifth of the season.

Senior defender Jonathan Pires (Medford, Mass.) extended the BSU lead to 2-0 in the 77th minute with his third goal of the season and ninth of his career. Senior defender Andrew Vernaglia (Andover, Mass.) picked up the assist as he served a long volley into the box off a restart. On a dead run, Pires sent a diving header inside the left post from eight yards out.

BSU senior netminder Colin Jepson (Sandwich, Mass.) turned aside seven shots to record his second shutout of the season and 21st of his career.

Westfield held a 20-6 shot advantage for the game as well as a 10-2 edge in corner kick attempts.

Junior goalkeeper Marc Patnaude (North Andover, Mass.) made one save in the setback for the Owls.

Prior to the game, the Bears honored senior Pires, Vernaglia, Jepson, Sawyer Fleck (Foxboro, Mass.), Prince Collins (Boston, Mass.) and Gassendy Pierre (Dorchester, Mass.). The six seniors were playing in their final regular season home game.

Both teams are back in action on Wednesday with non-conference affairs. The Bears travel to Babson College for a three o'clock non-conference game with the Beavers, while the Owls head to Western Connecticut State University to take on the Colonials at seven.