Box Score WATERVILLE, ME
The Ephs (2-0-4, 1-0-2 NESCAC) began their weekend trip to Maine with a goalless draw against the Colby Mules (2-1-4, 0-1-2 NESCAC), an evenly matched contest without many chances for either side.
The first half contained very little action to speak of, as possession changed easily and often between the two sides. High winds had a part to play in things, as the ball tended to take an unpredictable path in the air when it was hoofed upfield or played into the box.
The second half brought opportunities, but still no goals. Williams looked closest to scoring, via two corner kicks. The first one, in the 55th minute, fell fortuitously for defender Daniel Zhang ('25), and he lunged at the ball with a header. Mules 'keeper Brendan McCarthey, though, got across his goal with incredible agility, and managed to push Zhang's attempt wide, keeping the scores level.
Colby's best chance came in the 69th, when senior forward Ethan Fabricant received the ball on the Eph's penalty spot with no one around him. He couldn't quite figure out his feet in time, and Keel Brisset ('25) was able to make a good recovery and clear the ball away.
Ephs goalie Ben Diffley ('24), while not facing an inordinate amount of shots, was kept busy, often enlisted by back passes to boot the ball clear. With this clean sheet, he improved his very impressive shot stopping record to just four goals conceded in six games played. With one save today, he increased his total tally to 19.
The Ephs defense has been impressive in general this season, and it was more of the same in this, their third shutout of the year.
After the game, Coach Siebert complimented his team's poise and resilience: "Very tough conditions and very proud how the guys handled it to keep a shutout. Lots of scoring opportunities. Excited to get back on the field tomorrow against Bowdoin."
The Ephs will head a few miles south for tomorrow's game against the Bowdoin Polar Bears (5-0-1, 2-0-1 NESCAC), where both teams will try to put an end to the other's undefeated season.
