Ephs tie WNEC in double overtime thriller
SPRINGFIELD, Mass – The Williams Men's soccer team (3-0-1)
overcame a two-goal half-time deficit before settling for a
stalemate in an exciting double-overtime match against regional
powerhouse Western New England College (5-1-2) in nonconference
play Wednesday.
Despite the scoreboard, the Ephs played well in the first half
– with the offense churning out six shots to the Golden Bears
five, and Keeper Andrew Graham tallying two saves to Steve
Hennessey's one. However, WNEC made the most of their
opportunities, netting the games first goal off an unassisted
strike by Junior Dale Totman in the 11th minute and the second off
the foot of Sophomore Ryan Nugent in the 35th minute.
The Ephs rallied in the second-half, controlling possession and
bombarding the Golden Bear defense until finally converting on an
unassisted goal from junior Jay Ingram in the 58th minute, and then
tying it with another unassisted goal from fellow Junior Sam Empson
eleven minutes later. Despite their substantial edge in shots
(10-4) in the second-half, the Ephs were unable to score the go
ahead goal in regulation.
Overtime found a rejuvenated Golden Bear squad that matched the
Ephs step for step, as the two teams battled for every inch until
the final whistle blew. "This was one of our more difficult matches
yet, they (WNEC) were a big, physical and very fit team that really
got us out of our rhythm. I'm pleased we were able to tie it up,
but we need to play better this weekend." Coach Mike Russo
remarked.
The tie comes from two top ten teams in the NSCAA New England
Division III poll, with Williams ranked #1 overall and with Western
New England ranked #7.
Williams next travels to play conference foe Bowdoin in Brunswick,
Maine Saturday the 22nd at 11:00 AM.
