Box
Score
AMHERST, Mass- The Williams College men's soccer team battled
Middlebury to a 1-1 tie after two overtimes, only to see their
NESCAC championship hopes end as the Panthers advanced on Penalty
kicks 3-0. The tie marks only the third time since the tournaments
conception that the Ephs failed to finish on top, and leaves them
with an overall record of 10-4-2 (6-3-1 in NESCAC) for the 2007
season.
The Panthers dictated play in the first time; controlling the
tempo and forcing play into the Ephs half. Despite firing off 8
shots to the Ephs 1, they were unable to get on the scoreboard and
the game was tied at half.
The second half saw a rejuvenated William's squad take the play to
Middlebury. By finding their rhythm and establishing their quick
passing game the Ephs were able to get on the scoreboard first when
a cross into the Panther box from senior forward Mike Darling led
to a scrum and own goal at the 57th minute mark. However, the
Panthers responded and tied the game 15 minutes later when Stephan
Hart converted Andrew Banadda's through ball, forcing overtime.
The overtime periods saw the Panthers rediscover their first half
form, but were ultimately stonewalled by the stellar goal tending
of Eph Keeper Andrew Graham.
Following the two overtime periods, the game shifted into penalty
kicks where this time it was Panther keeper Brian Bush, who stole
the show. After the first Eph shot was deflected by the crossbar,
Bush stopped the next two Eph shooters to lead the Panthers to a
3-0 penalty kick victory.
Check back later for a more detailed account of the game.
