Flip Cam Highlights
WILLIAMSTOWN, MA - Williams men's soccer overcame Westfield State today 2-0 at home. Midfielder Zach Grady '15 led the way for the home team with two goals, which were the first and second of his college career. The Ephs outshot the Owls 36-1 on the game, but Owl goalkeeper Jeff Pepoli kept the visitors in striking distance throughout the game with 13 saves.
"It was very good to see Zach Grady score two goals," Williams Head Coach Mike Russo said, "because we think he can score goals and he's opportunistic... That was a big plus."
Williams improved its record to 5-2-2 on the season, while the Owls fell to 8-4-1.
Williams came out of the gate on the attack, getting behind the Westfield defense on several occasions and firing off nine shots in the first 15 minutes. Pepoli was up to the task, however, coming off his line with confidence and picking up four saves in the early going. The Eph attack tapered in the final 30 minutes of the half, as the team managed seven shots throughout the remainder of the half, with only one making its way on net and into Pepoli's hands. Williams' defense held firm throughout the half, allowing the Owls only one shot, and the teams entered the half tied 0-0.
Williams continued to attack as the second half opened, and it finally paid off in the 64th minute. Peter Christman '13 received the ball at the top of the box on the left hand side of the field and played a through ball to Matt Kastner '14. Kastner beat his defender to the endline and played the ball back across to Dan Morrisroe '12 at the top of the six. Morrisroe snapped a first time header at Pepoli, who was able to dive to his left and save the ball on the line. Grady was there to take advantage of the rebound: His first attempt was turned away by Pepoli on the line, but his follow up went into the net to give the Ephs a 1-0 lead.
Grady picked up his second goal 11 minutes later, again off a rebound. Luke Pearce '15 found space 40 yards out on the right flank and played a perfect ball through the Owl defense to Kastner. Pepoli met Kastner at the top of the penalty box, picking up another stellar save, and the ball played to the left of the field. Grady was again in the right place: He picked up the rebound, took two touches, and played the ball into the back of the net.
Westfield threatened Williams toward the end of the game on two crosses from the flanks, but the Ephs were able to prevent the Owls from attempting a shot throughout the second half, and Williams claimed the 2-0 victory.
"The game was a little nerve-racking," Russo said. "When you get only [two goals] out of [36 shots], the finishing wasn't very good. I thought the first half First half we were sluggish, which might have been attributed to Amherst. I thought the second half we came out and played with intensity."
"We need to still play better, especially in the attacking third," Russo added. "But overall I am pleased because we are now 5-2-2."
The match marked the first time for the Ephs since the team's loss to Wesleyan on Sept. 24 that the team's starting back line of co-captain Matt Ratajczak '13, Doug Weinrib '13, Phil Vestergaard '12 and Andres Burbank-Crump '15 were all healthy and in the lineup.
Williams will next take on Tufts on the road on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
