Boston College men beat Bryant, 2-0

Newton, Mass. – Freshman Kyle Bekker netted a first-half goal and classmate Kevin Mejia scored late in the second half as Boston College defeated Byrant, 2-0, in the Eagles’ home opening-game before 627 fans at the Newton Campus Complex.

Both goals marked the first of each player’s collegiate career.

Bekker netted the game’s lone first-half score in the 38th minute.  After Karl Reddick assumed possession deep in his offensive zone, his feed was chipped by Bekker’s right foot over a sliding goalkeeper for the score.

Mejia doubled the BC margin at 84:20.  The Pasadena, Calif., resident took freshman Isaac Taylor’s cross into open space, stepped around the defended and beat challenging goalkeeper Matt Miscione (eight saves) with his right foot along the ground.

The host Eagles (1-1-0) outshot the Bulldogs 18-3 in the match, including a 10-2 advantage in the game’s final 45 minutes.  BC also enjoyed a 10-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Senior co-captain Mor Avi Hanan attempted a game-high four shots, while Bekker and sophomore Edvin Worley each hit two shots on net.

Miscione totaled three saves first-half saves and five in the second in the losing effort.

BC freshman Justin Luthy earned his first career win in goal.  He registered two second-half saves.

The Eagles also enjoyed three prime second-half scoring chances; the team was ruled offside following Avi Hanan’s corner kick in the 51st minute, freshman fullback Sacir Hot’s head ball was stopped by Miscione in the 57th minute and freshman Colin Murphy’s give-and-go with Bekker and Worley was also saved by Miscion in the 76th minute.

Down one goal, Bryant (0-2-0) enjoyed its best scoring opportunity in the 55th minute on an indirect kick.  After Luthy made the initial save off a header, the team was whistled for being offside.