WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Avi Snowise stopped 12 shots, including a penalty kick, for the Pittsfield boys soccer team, but West Springfield earned a 4-1 victory over the Generals in Thursday’s season-opener.

 

“In short, we came out to a slow start but found our bearings shortly after they put in a quick goal,” Pittsfield coach Andrew Antil said. “Avi's saved penalty 15 minutes into the game gave us some steam. We had a number of chances in each half but couldn't seem to find the back of the net.”

 

Jacob Balboni scored twice for West Springfield, which led 2-0 in the second half before Max Whalen set up Sam Higuera for Pittsfield’s goal

 

“Overall I'm proud of the effort the boys put in, but we are still working on refining parts of our passing game and everyone staying on the same page,” Antil said.

 

The Generals (0-1) are back on the road Saturday to face Westfield.