Ephs Kick Off NESCAC Play With 4-0 Win Against Bates

WILLIAMSTOWN, MA

Mohamed Keussom ('26) capped things off in the 89th minute, with the first year scoring his first collegiate goal— Williams' fourth of the day—by neatly taking Dylan Kelemen's ('25) curled cross down with his chest and finishing low to the goalie's left. The goal sparked big celebrations on the Williams (2-0-2, 1-0-0 NESCAC) sideline, as the Ephs put a tidy bow on a convincing, if chippy, 4 - 0 victory over Bates (3-2-0, 0-2-0 NESCAC).

The ref's booklet was much more even than the scoresheet, as both teams committed 14 fouls, with two yellow cards for the Bobcats and one for the Ephs. From the start of the second half, the tension between the teams was palpable. 

Coach Siebert emphasized after the game how important his team knew the first 15 minutes would be, and the Ephs indeed pounced from the onset, leading 2-0 by the 13th minute thanks to goals from Dan Rayhill ('24) and Will Felitto ('23). "We were ready." Said Siebert, "We were prepared, and we wanted it. Great execution from the guys."

Felitto's goal, alongside Keussom's, was the highlight of the game. Nathan Song ('23) released him into space on the right, with only Bates' captain and keeper to beat. Felitto cut in, then back out, utterly losing his man, before thumping it home high and to the near post.



Connor Huleatt made it 3-0 in the 33rd when, controlling the ball at the top of the eighteen yard box, he turned his defender, beating him for strength, and flashed a shot across the goal, finding the right side of the net. 

Bates came out stronger in the second half, effectively employing a press that caused Williams some headaches, but by midway through the half it was clear it was a challenge the Ephs could master; Bates never really looked like scoring. 

The Bobcats turn their focus to next weekend, where they'll play Amherst and Middlebury at home. The Ephs will host Tufts tomorrow at Cole Field.