Murtagh and Gomes lead the first place BSU soccer squad
Andrew Higginbottom
Staff Writer
The Bridgewater State men’s soccer team had a record of 10-9-1 in the 2014 season, and this season they are off to an even better start. They are in the midst of a dominating season with seven straight wins, and a record of 7-1. In their first game, they suffered a 0-1 loss against Brandeis University, but since that defeat they have been unstoppable to say the least.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, the Bear’s continued their terrific streak with a 2-1 win against Massachusetts Maritime Academy. They hosted the Mass Maritime Buccaneers at Swenson Field. It was much more of a nail biter than recent victories, but with hard work and dedication the team pulled through with a victory.
The first goal was netted quite early into the game by the team’s leading goal scorer, forward Conor Murtagh. The senior sent a header to the net in the 10th minute after receiving a cross by senior defender Justin Kachadoorian.
Just nine minutes after Murtagh’s goal, the Buccaneers answered back with a header by their freshman midfielder Brandon Gawron after getting an assist by their junior defender Scott Matoian.
The game was at a standstill for the rest of the half with great defense and goalkeeping on both sides. It wasn’t until the 56th minute when the crowd arose to celebrate a goal to put the Bears in the lead. The header was put in by senior midfielder Kolin Campbell after receiving a pass by fellow senior midfielder Sawyer Fleck.
After Campbell’s goal, there were numerous opportunities for the Bears and the Buccaneers to score, but neither team could finish. Junior goalkeeper Colin Jepson secured the lead with four significant saves. The game remained 2-1 until the end making it a tremendous seven straight for the skilled and impressive men’s soccer team.
The team was picked as the preseason favorite to win the conference and they are meeting those expectations.
The man behind this team’s victorious streak is head coach Brendan Adams. Coach Adams discussed the team’s streak and how there is still improvement needed in order to keep winning after Saturday’s victory
“Well it’s nice to get off to winning seven games in a row, but what that means is we have won the games we were supposed to,” said Coach Adams. “Our main goal is to win the Mascac tournament so we can play in the NCAA championship, and have a shot at the National title. I still think we can play better, so there is still a lot of work we need to do.”
Brendan Adams is in his 14th year as head coach, and became the all-time winningest coach for the men’s soccer program in 2008. He had many players throughout the years contribute to his success.
Two players this year that are playing a crucial role to the team’s numerous victories are senior forward Conor Murtagh and freshman forward Filipe Gomes.
Murtagh, a veteran of the team, is leading the team with six goals. Trailing right behind him is Gomes, a newcomer coming straight from high school, with five goals.
Gomes explained after the victory about the transition from high school soccer to college and how he is staying focused to keep the victories coming.
“Back in high school everything was easy and simpler, however here in college we have to work hard to get to where we want to be,” said Gomes. “As a freshmen I will do my best to help contribute as much as I can and hope that we continue to succeed and go as far as possible, and keep on winning.”
Gomes and the rest of the team hope to continue the streak in the next three upcoming games against University of Massachusetts Boston, Framingham State, and Salem State. Hopefully the Bears will continue to come out on top.
Andrew Higginbottom is a Staff Writer for The Comment.
