Boxscore
TROY, N.Y. - Williams men's soccer extended its winning streak to three games this afternoon, defeating RPI 2-0 on the road behind two second-half goals from midfielder Peter Christman '13. Christman is now tied for the team lead with three goals on the season.
Williams, which is ranked No. 8 in New England, improved its record to 8-3-2 on the season, while RPI fell to 6-5-4.
The Ephs were threatening throughout the match, taking eight shots before Christman's first goal in the 52nd minute. Christman scored after co-captain Nick Pugliese '12 won the ball in midfield and played the ball to Christman at the top of the box. Chirstman then played the ball to Patrick Ebobisse '13, but Ebobisse had his shot blocked by an RPI defender, and the ball ricocheted back out to the top of the box, where Christman was waiting. He struck the ball first time into the right upper 90, and RPI keeper Rob Dewald was unable to get a hand on the ball; the strike rippled the net to put the Ephs up 1-0.
Less than seven minutes later, Christman scored again. Pugliese, Dan Morrisroe '12 and User Kushaina '13 combined in a triangle in the right corner, allowing Kushaina to beat his RPI defender and turn into the penalty box. Kushaina then crossed the ball to Christman, who was making a run through the center of the box. The midfielder pounced on the opportunity, sliding through the ball and knocking it into the back of the RPI net to give the Ephs a 2-0 lead.
RPI threatened with two shots late in the match, but the Engineers were unable to put their strikes on target, and the Ephs walked away with the win.
The Ephs controlled the flow of the game, outshooting the Engineers 12-4 and forcing RPI keepers Rob Dewald and Dylan Hasson into four total saves. Than Finan '13 earned his third consecutive shutout, but was only called on to make one save on the game.
"It was a good team effort again [today]," Pugliese said. "We possessed well through midfield in the second half, and it was another great shutout for the defense."
RPI will next face Keene State on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Williams now prepares to travel to Middlebury to take on the Paqnthers at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in their final regular season match.
Wednesday's match against the Panthers has substantial implications for the NESCAC playoffs. The Ephs stand tied for third in the conference with a 5-2-2 NESCAC record. A victory or a draw guarantees Williams a spot in the top four in the conference, which would allow the Ephs to host a NESCAC quarterfinal match. A loss, on the other hand, leaves the picture much less clear: If Tufts claims a victory over Bowdoin on Wednesday and Williams falls to Middlebury, Tufts will tie the Ephs on points in the conference and will likely take the No. 4 slot due to the tiebreaker.
For more information about the NESCAC conference tournament, which will begin Saturday, click here.