Box Score
BABSON PARK, Mass – The Williams College men's soccer team
used another late goal – this time junior midfielder Sam
Empson's in the 86th minute – to propel the Ephs to victory
over Babson College 1-0 Sunday.
The Ephs, who have dropped their last two games, came out like a
team with something to prove. Controlling possession and giving the
Beavers (8-2-1) little breathing room, they dominated statically in
the first half, shooting off ten shots to Babson's zero and
launching five corners while the Eph defense didn't give up any.
Despite the lopsided performance, Beaver keeper Chris Necklas kept
the game tied with four first half saves.
The second-half saw rejuvenated play from Babson, who shook off
William's first-half dominance, to battle back to an equal footing
with the Ephs. However, it was the Beavers who ended up blinking
first, when in the 86th minute Babson goalie Chris Necklas dragged
down Eph senior forward Mike Darling in the box, earning Williams a
penalty kick.
Junior Eph midfielder Sam Empson, who leads Williams in total
points on the season with 10, had his penalty shot blocked by a
diving Necklas, but Empson reacted quickly and fired in the rebound
to score the go-ahead goal at the 86:44 mark.
"We held a lot of territory, had a lot of possession, and made a
lot of scoring opportunities, so all-and-all we played pretty
well." Remarked Eph Coach Mike Russo "I am very pleased with how
the kids responded."
The Ephs ended up splitting their two-game weekend road trip,
advancing their overall record to 5-2-1.
The Ephs next play at home against conference foe Bates, Wednesday
October 6th.
