Cinderalla Run Comes to a Close, Ephs Fall 2-0 in National Championship Game

Salem, VA--The Williams College Ephs (10-2-11) fell to the University of Chicago Maroons (22-0-1), 2-0, in the NCAA DIII National Championship game.

Williams had the game's first good chance in the 36', from a free kick. Cole Moriello lofted a ball towards the far post, Nick Boardman met it with his head, sending it back across the six yard box, and Brady Foehl steamrolled through the crowd to get to the ball first, but his headed effort ultimately sailed wide right.

The Maroons ended the first half with a period of pressure, where the Ephs couldn't seem to get the ball past midfield. On one of Chicago's forays into the Ephs' 18, at the 40' mark, the ball fell fortuitously for Kameron Bloye, who sent a volleyed attempt toward the near post, forcing Diffley into his best save of the game to this point. The half ended 0-0, with the two teams about even in terms of possession and scoring opportunities.

Chicago started out the second half the stronger-looking side, immediately putting pressure on the Ephs' goal and forcing Felipe Guiterrez to make a last second, sliding clearance in the 47th minute.

In the 66' the Maroons broke through, as Robbie Pino found a pocket of space between the Ephs' lines and pinged an effort from about 25 yards out with enough power to force its way past Ben Diffley's fingertips and nestle into the back of the net.

In the 84th minute Chicago tried another audacious effort, with Tanner Baldwin firing from the top of the 18, aiming for the upper left corner. Diffley was up to the task, though, and with an incredible diving effort was able to parry it over the crossbar.

The Ephs went on the offensive after the save, pouring into the Maroons' box. A flurry of chances ensued, with Tate Michelson having the opportunity to send a header towards goal, but a Chicago defenseman was able to intervene and clear it away.

In the frantic final minutes, Williams won a free kick with 34 seconds remaining. With Cole Moriello standing over the ball, the 10 other Ephs crowded into the box, including the keeper. Chicago won the header and were able to clear, and Ryan Yetishefsky scored on an empty net to seal the 2-0 victory for the Maroons. 

The Maroons' head coach Julianne Sitch becomes the first woman to lead a men's team to a national championship in any division of NCAA competition, and secures the University of Chicago's first-ever national championship in her first year in charge.

The Maroons end the season undefeated–trailing, in all competitions, for a grand total of 64 minutes–with first-choice shot-stopper Will Boyes conceding just 11 goals, a number matched only by the Ephs' Ben Diffley.



The Ephs made some history of their own, earning the program's first championship berth since 1995, and going on an incredible postseason run as an at-large selection, upsetting four consecutive nationally ranked opponents en route to the championship game. 

Much was made of the Ephs' 11 draws–a NCAA DIII record amount–over the course of the postseason, but they demonstrated their quality with this performance, giving Chicago all it could handle in a tightly contested, passionate game.

Nick Boardman, an All-American, accepted the runner-up trophy on behalf of his squad, and is one of several invaluable seniors who will be graduating this year. The Ephs, though, during head coach Steffen Seibert's brief tenure, have re-emerged as a fearsome force in DIII soccer, and the performance of their first years, sophomores, and juniors across the season suggest that we may see them reach similar heights next season and for years to come.

Coach Sibert noted, "The team did it one last time - what a performance to finish this amazing year after finishing second in the NESCAC, hosting the NESCAC Tournament and make it all the way to the national championship game. I could not be prouder of every single one of these amazing student athletes. But the biggest thanks goes to the 8 seniors who lead us on and off the field."

Three Ephs were named to the 2022 NCAA All-Tournament team: senior defender Nick Boardman, first year defender Cole Morriello and sophomore defender/midfielder David Wang.

Additional Eph 2022 honors:
D3 New England Soccer Journal Best XI
Defender Nick Boardman
Goalie Ben Diffley
 
United Soccer Coaches All-Region I
Defender Nick Boardman – First Team
Goalie Ben Diffley – Third Team
Forward Will Felitto – Third Team
 
United Soccer Coaches All-America Team
Defender Nick Boardman – Third Team