BOX SCORE

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (August 30, 2012) - Senior midfielder Diego Mayanga (Queens, N.Y./Martin Luther King) made the first goal of his Bloomfield College career a game-winner Thursday night, as the men's soccer team outlasted the University of Bridgeport 1-0 in a non-conference road victory to open the 2012 season. 

Scoring chances were scarce in the opening half, as the sides played to a scoreless draw through 45 minutes of play.  But the Deacons would strike quickly in the early stages of the second frame, as Mayanga finished a long run with an unassisted tally to give Bloomfield the advantage in the 57th minute.  The back line would hold the slim cushion for the remainder of the contest, withstanding a late charge from the host Purple Knights in the match's final minutes to earn the club a hard-fought road victory on the campaign's opening night.

"We played well defensively tonight, and were able to limit their chances," Bloomfield head coach Peter-John Falloon said.  "It's good to get the first win of the season, and to do so against a quality opponent.  We will play another tough team on Saturday, so we will need to be extremely prepared.  The good things we did tonight must carry over, so hopefully we will be able to build off this game moving forward."

Bloomfield outshot Bridgeport 9-7 on the evening, with sophomore keeper Kieran Moran (Bronx, N.Y./Cardinal Spellman) tallying four saves to make his first career victory as the member of the Deacons a shutout.  Mayanga led the Deacons with three shots on the night.

The Deacons return to action Saturday, September 1 when they take on non-conference opponent C.W. Post University in the club's second leg of the University of Bridgeport Classic.  Kickoff for the contest is scheduled for 4:00 PM.