Pittsfield Boys Edge Chicopee in Opener

CHICOPEE, Mass. -- Alejandro Lopez had a goal and an assist, and Avi Snowise stopped eight shots Wednesday to lead the Pittsfield boys soccer team to a 3-2 win at Chicopee in the Generals' season opener.

 

After the Pacers struck first in the 15th minute, Cole Masiero set up Lopez for a strike from the corner of the 18-yard box to tie it at half-time.

 

Cole Bromback broke the tie with an assist from Lopez in the 56th minute.

 

Fifteen minutes later, Brett Racine fed a diagonal pass into the box for Luke Peplowski, who finished to give Pittsfield a two-goal lead.

 

Chicopee cut the lead in half with four minutes left, but Pittsfield held on for the win.

 

"I am very pleased with the way the team came together, moved the ball and stepped up to the task," Pittsfield coach Andrew Antil said. "Chicopee played a very physical, fast game. They have a lot of skill and had us pinned with our backs to the goal for a good portion of the second half.

 

"But we were able to keep our composure and set up some great goals. And our defense got the job done."

 

Pittsfield will look for its second win to start the season on Friday when it hosts Mount Greylock at 7:30 at Berkshire Community College.