EMMITSBURG, Md. - Eric Detzel (York, Pa./Central York) scored in the 53rd minute to lead Mount St. Mary's past Central Connecticut State 1-0 in the Northeast Conference (NEC) men's soccer opener for both teams on Friday night.

Detzel notched his second goal of the season after Will Thomas (Mount Rainer, Md./The Heights) dribbled toward the goal and then passed the ball to his fellow senior who quickly redirected the ball across the net to beat the goalkeeper to the far right corner for the game's only tally at the 52:18 mark.

"Our team had a very gutsy effort tonight in some adverse weather conditions," said head coach Rob Ryerson. "I was proud of their performance."

Chris Davis (Townsville, Australia/Kirwan State) made five saves for the Mount (4-5, 1-0 NEC) in the winning effort. It was the senior's third shutout of the year and 15th of his career to help the Mountaineers end a three-game skid.

Anthony Occhialini turned away two shots for the Blue Devils (3-5, 0-1 NEC) in the loss.

Mount St. Mary's scored early in the second half and held on for the victory to open up league play with a win for third-straight year. The squad improves to 7-2-2 in the conference opener under Ryerson.

Detzel goal gave the Mountaineers a successful start to the league schedule for the third-straight year and improve to 11-8-1 in the league since 2008.

After the senior gave Mount St. Mary's the lead in the 53rd minute, Central Connecticut State had four shots in the final 37 minutes. Robert Cavener had a shot go high in the 74th minute and another chance stopped by Davis in the 77th minute. Eduardo Ortiz had the last opportunity on goal in the 81st minute turned away by Davis and Jared Spieker missed high in the 86th minute for the Blue Devils final scoring threat.

The Mount has won two-straight games against the Blue Devils after the Connecticut program won seven straight in the matchup.

Mount St. Mary's returns to action at Quinnipiac on Sunday. Game time is 1 p.m. The match will be the Bobcats first NEC game after their contest against Monmouth on Friday was postponed due to inclement weather.