Box Score
Williamstown, Ma --- A strong fourth quarter was not enough for the Ephs come from behind bid against Union College. Losing 10-7, the Ephs slipped to 1-8 on the season while Union climbed to 7-2 with the win.
Williams found themselves in a hole early as Union's Ted McKenna took a pass from Rob Santangelo, stepped just above Goal Line Extended (GLE), and slid a shot under the cross bar. McKenna scored the second goal for the Dutchmen as well, using a screen to set up an inside spin that put him at point blank range.
The Ephs got on the scoreboard with a goal from midfielder Ryan Prokesch '14. A rocket from Will Stewart '13 bounced off the post right into the stick of the freshman. Prokesh caught Union goalie Sean Aaron out of position and found the back of the net.
A David Dogget '12 penalty set up an extra-man opportunity for Union as time winded down in the first quarter. The Dutchmen capitalized on the chance as Ted McKenna netted his third goal of the game.
Even though Ben Bourke '12 tallied the first goal of the second quarter for Williams, the Ephs were not able to get into an offensive rhythm. Bourke scored after he scooped up a loose ball on the crease and fired a low left-handed shot past Aaron, closing the deficit to 3-2. Yet, the Ephs managed only three additional shots in the quarter.
Union College took advantage, controlling the game on both sides of the ball. Rob Santangelo recorded his second and third assists of the day to spur a three-goal run in the final five minutes of the half. Union's ball movement and cutters gave the Eph defense trouble despite consistent their constant ball pressure.
Santangelo added another goal at the start of the third quarter, sliding a shot past Henry Mills '11 as he was falling down. With the margin at 7-2, the Ephs started to show signs of a comeback.
Will Stewart got things started for the Ephs, scoring off a Sam Hargrove '12 assist during an extra-man opportunity. A slashing penalty on Mack von Mehren '13 seemed to stall the momentum, but Steve Upton '14 forced a turnover, outran all of the Union players, and found Mike Ryan '13 for the man-down goal.
Union College responded with a crushing blow. With time disappearing off the clock in the third quarter, Union transitioned effectively from defense to offense catching the Ephs off-guard with quick ball movement. Ted McKenna found Brendan Kinnane for the goal that put the Dutchmen ahead 8-4 heading into the final quarter.
Despite giving up two goals, the Ephs outplayed the Dutchmen in the fourth quarter. Corey Jacobs '12 got the team going, driving through three Union defenders before finding the back of net. Sam Hargrove kept the comeback alive, flipping the ball over his shoulder despite facing away from the goal. Bourke added the final goal of the game with a nice move to get the ball into the net before falling into the crease.
The Ephs outshot Union 13-4 in the fourth quarter and forced 7 Dutchmen turnovers. The rally was not enough as Union prevailed 10-7. Goalie Sean Aaron certainly deserves credit for preserving the win as he ended the game with 20 saves while allowing 7 goals. Henry Mills, in his first start for the Ephs, had ten saves and gave up ten goals.
Coach McCormack pointed to the slow start in another disappointing loss for the Ephs. Despite being without three offensive starters, McCormack was happy with how his team played in the fourth quarter. "I am proud about how we finished the game and I hope we can carry this momentum into the 'birdcage' on Saturday."
The Ephs looked one step closer to being where they want to be despite being plagued by a number of injuries and having one of the hardest schedules in the nation.
Williams looks to gain a share of the Little Three Title Saturday at Wesleyan. Game time is 1 pm.
