Box Score
KEENE, N.H. – The Williams College men's soccer team used
two goals from sophomore Connor Smith to propel them to a 2-1
victory over Keene State in the second round of the NCAA tournament
Sunday. The win avenges the Ephs home loss to Keene State in
September.
The Owls stuck first when senior midfielder Caleb Patterson
punched in a cross at 26 minutes in. However, the Ephs responded
quickly when solid freshman forward Gaston Kelly launched a
turn-around cross that found the head of a streaking Connor Smith
who put it away seven minutes later.
The Ephs would continue to apply heavy pressure for the remainder
of the half, but despite creating several chances, they were unable
to notch another goal.
The Ephs didn't miss a beat in the second half, and were
able to force play into the Owl half. The consistent pressure was
converted into the game winning goal when, in a sequence
reminiscent of the their first goal, senior backer Will ford's
cross was converted by the head of Connor Smith at the 66:14
mark.
The Ephs transferred their offensive pressure into defensive
pressure, and were able to lock down the goal for the remainder of
the game.
"Seniors really stepped it up today, and I couldn't be
prouder," stated Eph coach Mike Russo. "Also some of our younger
guys, Gaston Kelly and Connor Smith specifically, really played
great. We're just delighted to still be playing soccer."
The Ephs get their third chance to beat Middlebury next weekend in
the third round of the NCAA tournament. Middlebury defeated the
Ephs 1-0 on October 13th off of a late goal, and tied the Ephs in
the NESCAC tournament but advanced on penalty kicks.
