BRIDGEWATER, Va. (BC Athletics) – The Bridgewater College men’s soccer team pressed for a late equalizer but fell 1-0 to Mary Washington Wednesday afternoon despite eight saves from goalkeeper Zane Kowalski.

Score: Mary Washington 1, Bridgewater 0
Records: Bridgewater 5-3-0, Mary Washington 5-1-1

How It Happened
– Bridgewater created opportunities early, earning two corner kicks and recording shots from Anthony Medrano, Kevin Polanco and Riley Queen in the opening 15 minutes. Mary Washington struck first, however, as Andrew Brittain scored off an assist from Jack Sturman in the 17th minute.
– The Eagles continued searching for an answer, with Polanco forcing a save from Zaine Asim in the 24th minute. Caleb Malekzadeh added two attempts before Kowalski denied Chris Smith and Braeden Kelly late in the half. BC entered the break trailing 1-0 despite holding a 7-6 edge in shots.
– Kowalski kept Bridgewater within reach as Mary Washington increased its pressure after halftime. He stopped Micah Davis in the 48th minute, and Lucas Spiegel hit the crossbar in the 52nd. Kowalski then turned away two shots from Michael Lenhard just 11 seconds apart in the 55th minute to keep the deficit at one.
– The Eagles continued their pursuit of an equalizer down the stretch. Derek Londeree sent a shot wide in the 78th minute, and Polanco fired over the goal in the 84th. Lucio Bianchi tested Asim with a shot toward the upper-left corner in the 89th minute before recording another attempt in the final minute. Two late corner kicks gave BC additional chances, but Mary Washington held on.

Match Notes
– Kowalski finished with eight saves, including six in the second half. Polanco led Bridgewater with five shots, while Medrano, Malekzadeh and Bianchi each added two.
– Brittain scored Mary Washington’s lone goal, while Asim made two saves to secure the shutout. Lenhard led the visitors with four shots.
– Bridgewater recorded 13 shots and held a 7-5 advantage in corner kicks. Mary Washington finished with 16 shots and a 9-2 edge in shots on goal.

What’s Next?
The Eagles open ODAC play this Saturday on the road taking on the Maroons of Roanoke.

— BC Athletics —