Bates College

LEWISTON, Maine -- Bates men's soccer came up just short against Trinity, falling 1-0 despite generating several quality scoring chances throughout the match. The loss moves the Bobcats to 4-3-1 overall and 1-2-1 in NESCAC play.

Bates tested the Trinity defense early in the first half. First-year Bora Ceranoglu (Milton, Mass.) forced a save in the 25th minute off a corner kick from sophomore Danny Burke (Holliston, Mass.). Moments later, senior captain Noah Greiff (Washington, D.C.) sent a header just wide of the left post in the 26th minute.

The Bobcats' defense held firm as well, with first-year goalkeeper Isaac Kolaczkowski (Beavercreek, Ohio) turning away a Trinity scoring opportunity in the 27th minute. First-year Alex Hensch (Longmeadow, Mass.) sent a shot high in the 45th minute as Bates headed into halftime tied 0-0.

Senior captain Antonio Mesa (Bogotá, Colombia) had an early second-half opportunity sail wide right in the 51st minute, while sophomore Will Stillman (Windsor, Conn.) had a shot blocked in the 58th minute as the Bobcats continued to search for the opening goal. Trinity broke the deadlock in the 60th minute, taking a 1-0 lead that would stand for the remainder of the match.

Bates pressed for an equalizer in the closing minutes. Junior captain Hewitt Stevenson (Menlo Park, Calif.) earned a corner kick in the 86th minute, and Mesa followed with a header that was saved shortly after. Stevenson had another attempt blocked in the 89th minute, but the Bobcats couldn't find the equalizer before the final whistle.

Bates returns to action Wednesday, Oct. 7, when the Bobcats host in-state rival Bowdoin at 7 p.m. at Russell Street Field.