Box Score NORTON, MASS –– There was no doubt about today's highlight when the Ephs faced Wheaton Away. Adding another goal to his tally this season, Sam Gibson half-volleyed from outside the box that sailed past the Wheaton keeper into the bottom left corner to put the Ephs up 1-0. Jake Saudek was credited with the assist, taking a nice touch to set up Gibson.
The first half saw a calm pace-of-play between both times, as the Ephs looked to hold on to possession and pick their moments accordingly.
In the 5th minute, Henry Osborn struck an effort from well outside the box, missing the frame but causing Wheaton Keeper Ben Millington some worry.
Jack Brusso registered two shots on target in the 16th and 23rd minutes, though both of which were calmly dealt with by Ephs' shot-stopper Ben Diffley.
Nathan Song nearly doubled the Ephs' lead when his near-post effort was parried inches away from the post, ultimately being picked up by Millington.
Wheaton equalized in the 61st minute when Jack Brusso's pass was deflected, leaving him all alone with the rebound, allowing him to nestle his effort past Ben Diffley.
A quarter of an hour later, Mo Faye poked a shot in the net following a long throw-in, putting the Lyons up 2-1.
The Ephs kept fighting, eventually winning a free kick deep in the Wheaton half. Cole Morriello floated the ball in, and Dan Rayhill capitalized on the bounce before sumptuously striking into the bottom right corner, leaving Millington powerless to stop it.
After the game, Coach Steffen Siebert lauded his team's resolve, "Great game from both teams. Really proud of the team's resilience which was rewarded in a great team goal at the end."
Keepers Ben Diffley and Cam Millington each registered 3 saves on the night.
As a team, the Ephs registered seven shots to Wheaton's 15.
Overall, the Ephs are now 5-1-5, and will be looking to build on today's non-conference result before heading to Wesleyan on Saturday the 15th.
