Box Score
Photo Gallery
WILLIAMSTOWN, Ma - The Williams College men's soccer team
overcame a poor shooting performance to defeat the visiting Bowdoin
Polar Bears 1-0 in NESCAC play Saturday. The win keeps the Ephs
perfect at 3-0, a stretch that has seen them outscore their
opponents 10-1, while the Polar Bears fall to 1-2.
"I am very pleased with our performance today." remarked Eph
coach Mike Russo, "Our midfield really controlled play, our defense
was very solid, and we created a lot of opportunities offensively.
However, we do have room to improve, especially on offense - we
need to be less hesitant and finish our shots."
Williams did maintain a 24 - 6 shot advantage in the contest,
but were hamstrung by poor shooting and missed chances. Pierre
Meloty-Kapella in the attack and Sam Empson in the midfield each
created opportunities throughout the game, but Williams nonetheless
could only muster the single score.
The Polar Bears took the initiative to start the game as they
effectively used the long ball attack to stretch the Eph defense,
however the stellar goalkeeping of Eph keeper Andrew Graham kept
Bowdoin out of the net.
The Ephs pushed back midway through the half as they slowly but
surely began to dominate possession and drive play towards the
Bowdoin net. Williams nearly broke the stalemate with just six
minutes remaining but Ben Mackinnon's laser from 20 yards out was
just barely turned aside by the goalpost.
The Ephs picked up right where they left off to start the second
period, as the Bowdoin defense found themselves being pushed back
on their heels by the Ephs pressure.
The Bowdoin goalkeeper, Dan Hicks, was the difference for the
polar bears. He continuously thwarted goal scoring opportunities en
route to a 10 save performance, but ultimately could only keep the
Ephs at bay for so long. Gaston Kelly finally broke through the
Bowdoin defense 17 minutes into the second half with easily the
most sensational score of this young season.
Cutting into the middle, Kelly was able to intercept a high
cross at the top of the Bowdoin box with a picturesque bicycle kick
and redirect it to the upper left corner of the net and past the
outstretched arms of Hicks for the score.
Williams would continue to pour shots on goal, but the one score
proved to be all that they would need as the Polar Bear offense
never mounted a serious threat for the remainder of the contest.
The Ephs will not have long to dwell on the victory, as tomorrow
they play host to visting Wheaton College. That game is scheduled
for 1:30 PM.
