With the loss the Bears fall to 3-8 overall and 1-2 in NEWMAC play. The Engineers continue to hold on to the top spot in the conference as they are undefeated in conference play at 3-0 and 8-1 overall.
MIT started off the game controlling possession as senior Austin Freel received a nice heel pass pass to beat a Coast Guard defender and put a shot on goal. Freshman William Bragaw dove to his right making the save.
10:40 into the match senior Lukas Benedetto attempted to get the Bears on the board first as he intercepted an errant Engineers pass and fired a shot from the top of MIT's 18 yard box. The shot, however, was gobbled up by senior goalkeeper Jake Amereno.
The Engineers struck pay dirt in the 20th minute as Itani received a pass over the top and took a touch towards goal. Bragaw attempted to charge out and cut off Itani, but Itani managed a quick, arching shot that cleared Bragaw and bounced into the back of the net. The goal was Itani's 5th of the year and second in conference play.
Bragaw showed up in a big way later in the first half to keep the deficit at one as senior Sean Bingham lined up a free kick from the top of the Bear's penalty box. Bingham fired a shot on goal but Bragaw sprawled to his right to make the save. Off the rebound Bingham attempted another shot but Bragaw once again dove to his right making the save and not allowing a second rebound.
The second half saw Coast Guard with the first opportunity as Amereno attempted to come off his line to collect a long service. A miscommunication between Amereno and a teammate caused the ball to be headed to Benedetto. Benedetto attempted a shot from distance but hit it off the mark and out of play.
Another free kick by the Engineers would once again test Bragaw as a shot by sophomore Joshua Wilson deflected off a Bears defender and headed towards goal. Bragaw recovered and made the diving save to keep MIT's lead at one.
Junior Kyle Phillips had the final chance of the game for Coast Guard in the 86th minute when he sent a shot towards goal but put it over the bar.
Bragaw (2-4) had a strong day in goal making a career high eight saves on 21 shots, nine on goal.
Amareno made three saves on seven shots, three on goal improving his record to 7-1. The Engineers have not allowed a goal in their last five games.
The Bears return to action on Tuesday, October 6th as they travel to New Haven for an out of conference match against Albertus Magnus. Kickoff is 3:30.
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