Box Score WILLIAMSTOWN, MA -- The 2nd seeded Williams College Ephs (6-1-9, 4-1-6 NESCAC)Â beat the 7th seeded Tufts University Jumbos (7-2-7, 3-2-6 NESCAC)Â at home, advancing to the semifinals of the NESCAC postseason tournament 4-3 on penalties in an absolutely thrilling shootout.
Regulation wasn't enough again for the Ephs and the Jumbos, who tied their regular season matchup 2-2.
In a game between the NESCAC's two best defenses, it is no surprise that the respective backlines were dominant. Especially stalwart was Eph senior Nick Boardman, who seemed to win every battle, aerial and otherwise, that he contested.
In the first half, Tufts moved the ball well; keeping it and controlling it lon the Ephs side of the field but creating no especially clear cut chances.
Both teams relied on lofted balls into the box, and looked for their target men to play that crucial flick on or for their strikers to pounce on that serendipitous second ball. As a result, knowing their seasons were at stake, both teams played exceptionally hard, putting their all into every 50-50. The passion in this one was palpable.
In the second half, while the Ephs continued to threaten on the counter, the Jumbos extended their control. In the 76' they forced a goal line clearance off of their fifth corner of the half. Ben Diffley ('24) came out to punch it away, but the ball went straight into the air, and the Ephs scrambled to get it clear. On the subsequent Jumbo's corner, Big Ben came out and caught it cleanly, ending the threat for the moment.
In the 82' Diffley made perhaps the save of the season. A Jumbos' striker found himself alone, about ten yards out from the goal, and fired a hard, first-time volley to the near post. Diffley flung himself down to parry it and the Ephs hoofed the ball upfield.Â
A minute later, with the ball never having left the Ephs'Â half, a penalty was given to the Jumbos, when a Williams center back collided with Tuft's midfielder Liam Gerken while trying to block his shot.
Sean Traynor made no mistake from the spot, sending Diffley to the left and the ball down the middle, giving Tufts the lead with six minutes remaining
Following the goal, Tufts put 11 men behind the ball, and the Ephs tried to break them down.
With 11 seconds left in the game and everyone up on the attack, including the goalkeeper, Cole Morriello took one of his trademark long throw-ins and the Ephs were awarded a penalty of their own, following an off-ball foul from the Jumbos. Nathan Song stepped coolly up to the spot and put a no-doubter into the back of the net, sending the quarterfinal into overtime.
Overtime was a back and forth affair, with the two teams exchanging periods of dominance, both carving out good chances, both expending immense defensive effort to keep it even.
With 15 seconds left, the Jumbos were awarded a corner, and came closest to scoring, forcing an overhead kick-clearance. Diffley's net remained unblemished, though, except for from the spot, and the game went to penalties.
The Jumbos' goalie Erik Lauta saved Williams' first penalty, and Tufts started things with a 1-0 advantage.
Subsequent conversions, from both sides, including Henry Osborne's effort that snuck in off the post, made it 2-2, with goalscorer Sean Traynor back at the spot, due to shoot.
Big Ben Diffley was not to be beaten twice by Traynor, and saved Tuft's third penalty to keep it tied.
Nathan Song then converted his second penalty of the day, giving the Ephs the edge, 3-2, and put the pressure back on Tufts.
Tate Michelson ('25) sent Lauta the wrong way, and the final Tufts kick taker sent his effort over the crossbar, sparking celebrations in the stands and on the field.
The Ephs won the shootout, survived, and moved on to the NESCAC postseason tournament semifinals.Â
For about five minutes and 49 seconds, it might've looked like the season was over. To come back twice, in regulation and in the shootout, is a testament to a strong team character.
Seibert summarized his thoughts on the showing, saying, "What a fantastic game from both sides today! So proud of the team believing until the very end! Now we look forward to hosting the semi final next week on Cole field."
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