Springfield, MA.— A goal from Springfield College's Maitoe Suppasuesanguan at 87:18 secured the Pride's win over the Ephs. With the win, Springfield advance to (4-2-0) while the Ephs move to (3-2-1).
In the first 10 minutes of play, the Ephs did an excellent job creating chances from out wide, putting the pressure on the Springfield back line to deal with crosses.
The Ephs applied pressure on Springfield throughout the first half, with Felipe Gutierrez and Nick Boardman winning challenges in the midfield to regain possession of the ball for Williams.
In the 22nd minute, Springfield won the ball in their final third. Williams goalkeeper Michael Davis was called into action, making himself big and denying a shot from Maitoe Suppasuesanguan.
The rest of the half was a back and forth affair with neither side able to seperate themselves.
In the first 15 minutes of the second half, the Ephs did well to deal with dangerous passes into their own 18 yard box. Will Felitto, Eamon Gara Grady, and Jamie Holland all made strong defensive contributions, cutting off Springfield's through balls in behind.
In the 69th minute, Luke Swann curled a cross into Springfield's danger area and Dylan Kelemen lunged at the aerial ball, forcing Springfield goalkeeper Clayton Knibbs to punch the ball to safety.
At 74:33, Springfield had a big opportunity with Pride forward Andrew Ma hitting crossbar from 13 yards out.
On the ensuing corner kick, Eph keeper Ben Diffley made a crucial save, rising above the Springfield attackers to snatch the ball from the air.
With 2:30 remaining in the game, Springfield grabbed the game-deciding goal off a 15 yard volley from Maitoe Suppasuesanguan.
"It was a disappointing result, but I'm very proud of the guys for fighting until the very end," said head coach Steffen Siebert, reflecting on the loss. "It's moments like these where we will learn and grow closer as a team."
The Ephs will look to bounce back as they host Trinity, a NESCAC matchup, at 2:00 PM on Saturday.
