WESTFIELD, Mass. -- St. Mary's scored an early goal and denied McCann Tech's pressure for 37 minutes to earn a 2-1 win on Monday in the season opener for both programs.

 

"St. Mary's a is a good team this year and played us tough," Hornets coach Tom Bona said. "McCann dominated the play in both halves but could not find a way to get the ball by St. Mary's goalkeeper, and he played a very good game.

 

"McCann played a good game and worked the ball well. We just came up on the short end today. That's soccer."

 

Zac Girard scored in the sixth minute on a shot from outside the 18-yard box to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. St. Mary's scored its second goal in the 32nd minute when Joey Collins put back a rebound.

 

Jon Leal got McCann's first goal of the fall about six minutes later. Tarjan Skiffington chipped a ball over the top for Leal, who finished to get the Hornets within one.

 

Chris Gajda made nine saves for McCann Tech, which hosts St. Joseph on Wednesday.