Box Score
LEWISTON, ME. — Senior Sam Empson curled a cornerkick into
the net in the game's 60th minute Saturday, leading Williams
College to a 1-0 victory over conference rival Bates.
The Ephs improved to 2-0 on the season. They host NESCAC foe
Bowdoin Saturday, September 20th at 11 a.m.
"I'm very pleased with getting this result up here," Williams
head coach Mike Russo said. "It's always a very tough place to
play. Bates was well-organzied and well-coached — it was hard
to break them down. I think once we scored, we picked up our play."
Williams held an 8-7 shot advantage in the first half, but could
not score. Bates played what coach Russo desrcribed as a delayed
pressure defense, waiting until the Ephs possessed the ball in the
midfield and then pressuring the ball.
"It was very effective," Russo said.
Williams opened the second half with increased urgency and
focus, and just under 15 minutes in, Empson capitalized on a
cornerkick opportunity, bending a high arching shot into the far
top right-hand corner of the goal.
"A great shot," Russo said.
The goal seemed to deflate Bates and the Ephs created several
other scoring chances, but could not finish on this day and settled
for the 1-0 victory. Williams ended up with a 14-10 edge in shots.
Russo pointed to the play of junior back Conor Smith as helping
the Ephs post the shutout. Goalkeepers Andrew Lyons-Berg and Andrew
Graham combined for the shutout, making four saves.
