Box Score

TROY, N.Y. - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) scored a goal in each half and the Engineers held Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) off the scoreboard in posting a 2-0 victory in a non-league men's soccer game at East Campus Stadium. RPI improves to 4-2-1, while the Trailblazers are now 2-4-0.

The Engineers opened a 1-0 advantage in the 19th minute when freshman Esmir Hadzic (Burlington, VT/Burlington) scored the first goal of his career on a header from about six yards out. Hadzic outjumped the goalkeeper and a defender to reach a service from senior Tyler Iosue (Spofford, NH/Keene), which he knocked over the goal line.

RPI doubled its lead in the 47th minute when junior Alex Dotseth (Colorado Springs, CO/Air Academy) beat a defender down the right side and turned toward the goal with the balll. He then feathered a pass across the goal mouth to senior Adam Updegrove (Carson City, NV/Carson), who tapped it past the keeper and across the line.

Rensselaer sophomore goalie Rob Dewald (Arlington, VA/Washington-Lee) earned his second shutout of the season by making one save. MCLA sophomore Matt Robinson (Petersham, MA/Mahar) made one save in the first half and junior Shawn Willis (Stephentown, NY/Berlin) made one save in the second half.

The Engineers open their Liberty League season on Saturday at Vassar College in a match that begins at 2pm. The Trailblazers host Massachusetts Maritime in a MASCAC contest at 1pm on Saturday.