BEARS LOSE TOUGH ONE TO NAVY MIDSHIPMEN 16-5; END SPRING BREAK TRIP 1-1

Bears open the season 1-1.

The CGA Bears opened the 2009 campaign 1 and 1 during their second annual trip to the National Capital Region.

A pared down squad traveled to Baltimore from New London on Friday, March 6th, where they stayed at team parent’s houses.

Saturday saw the Bears take the field against the UMBC Retrievers. The affects of a week of lost practice were evident during the first half, resulting in a score of 3-3. Coast Guard knocked off the rust and took control in the second half, scoring four goals. UMBC notched one late in the game, resulting in a Coast Guard win with a final of 7-4. 4/C Chris Pray was impressive in goal, and the EMO and faceoff play was solid throughout the game.

Sunday, the Bears played USNA’s club team in the first ever game between the service academies. Conditions were near perfect at Farragut Field onboard USNA, with temps in the 70’s. Navy got off to a fast start, jumping out to a 5-0 lead. 3/C Matt Chase scored Coast Guard’s first goal on a great drive from top left, which got the 100+ Coast Guard fans fired up. Coast Guard’s play was gritty and determined, but unfortunately, they couldn’t overcome the early deficit and superior numbers of the Navy team.
The final score was Navy 16, Coast Guard 5. Despite the apparent lop-sided score, the Bears kept their heads high, putting forth an impressive, never quit performance while playing against one of the top collegiate club programs in the nation. Goalie Chris Pray finished with 18 saves, some of which were spectacular one-on-one stops.

Sunday’s event was concluded by a joint Navy-Coast Guard post-game tailgate sponsored by parents from both teams as well as the Old Bears. The guys left it all out on the field, and then were able to have an excellent time socializing with the midshipmen. Special thanks go out to Old Bears Matt Orendorff, Tony Russell and Malcolm Mark for assisting me with putting together the tailgate. Additional thanks go out to the parents of our current players for providing lodging and food, as well as countless local Coasties who came out to support the team.

The next game is Friday, 20 March at UCONN.

GO BEARS!!!