Bridgton, ME – Ivan Domingues finished off a second half header on a cross from brother Igor, and the defense held firm, as the Central Maine Community College men's soccer team remained unbeaten to start the 2024 campaign with a 1-0 win on the road against Bridgton Academy.
The Mustangs had the better of the first half and had tested Wolverines goalkeeper Emrick Senecal five times within the first 20 minutes, without finding the opening tally. CMCC went into the half a little frustrated to still be scoreless, but with an 8-4 edge in shots.
That changed just five minutes into the second half, as Igor Domingues got free down the left-hand side, and delivered a cross into the box towards the back post. Ivan was able to rise highest and got his head on it to nod the ball down into the corner for a 1-0 lead.
It marked the second straight game of Igor turning provider for Ivan, as the pair found each other for two goals in the second half against Husson University last Wednesday.
Goalkeeper Guelor Kazadi had replaced Cody Cleaveland in net for Central Maine to start the second half, and was called into action in the 65th minute. The freshman from South Africa was brave to throw himself in front of a shot by Gianni Pazvakavambwa on the edge of the six-yard box, but paid the price as he hobbled off injured.
Cleaveland was back in the rest of the way to see out the match for the Mustangs. Things got a bit testy down the stretch with three yellow cards being produced in the final quarter of an hour. But when the referee's final whistle blew, CMCC had secured a third straight victory and their second clean sheet of the season.
Yankee Small College Conference play starts next for Central Maine. The Mustangs host York County Community College on Thursday at 6:00 pm to open their second straight defense of the conference crown.
