Williamstown, MA—The Williams College men's soccer team lost 2-1 in double overtime to Babson College Sunday afternoon in a second round NCAA tournament match.
Tied 1-1 with 1:26 left in the second overtime, the Beavers (16-3-2) set up for a corner kick that would decide the game. Max Walker sent a flying ball into the center of the box which was flicked by Eric Anderson to the far corner of the goal where it was headed by Ayo Iwuagwu into the near post. The goal ended the game and sent the jubilant Beavers into a celebration.
The Ephs (12-3-2) left the field disappointed and heartbroken. In a game in which they outshot the visiting Beavers 23 to 7, they simply could not find the net.
"We had plenty of opportunities in the second half, but we simply could not capitalize." remarked Coach Russo.
The Ephs got on the board first in the 30th minute of the game when Gaston Kelly slid a pass into the right side of the box to Charlie Romero. Romero beat a defender then sent a low bullet of a shot across the box into the far post to put the Ephs up 1-0.
However, just moments later the Ephs made a costly mistake. Babson defender Clint Mason sent a cross into play that was headed backwards by Williams defender Doug Weinrib. The ball sailed over the hands of keeper Peter Morrell for an own goal that tied the game. Morrell had 2 saves on the day for the Ephs.
The Ephs had additional opportunities in overtime to end the game. With 2:37 left in the first overtime forward Gaston Kelly sent a long cross into the center of the box which connected with a charging Daniel Morrisroe. Morrisroe headed the ball on goal but Babson keeper Peter Crowley proved up to the task as he recorded one of his 8 saves on the day.
The Ephs also had an opportunity in the second overtime as well when Gaston Kelly blocked a clearance by Peter Crowley in the box and attempted to shoot the rebound. Crowley managed to block the shot and prevent the Ephs from wining the game.
Ultimately, despite losing and having their season end, Coach Russo was happy with his team's effort. "I am very proud of our boys, we achieved a lot this season and battled hard all year."
