LEWISTON, ME –– They say lightning never strikes twice, but in the Ephs' morning match at Bates, Mohamed Keussom defied the odds by scoring for the second game in a row, proving that his combinations with assister Sam Gibson are simply electric.
Eerily similar to a Gibson goal against Western New England University exactly a week ago, this time it was Gibson who picked up a perfect through ball from Jeff Stauffer before slotting the ball across goal for Mohamed Keussom to tap it in. 3-0. Doesn't get any easier than that.
Williams' first goal, however, came when Dylan Kelemen picked off a Bates midfielder's back pass to a defender. All alone on the 30-yard line, Kelemen showed no hesitation and chipped Bates keeper Trevor Hammond, opening his season tally with an early contender for goal of the season. Naturally, the Ephs' bench erupted and Kelemen was soon swamped in celebration.
The rest of the first half was goalless. The Bobcats were rapid on the counter, but never quick enough. Still hungry after a 1-0 lead, the Ephs attacked eagerly and often in the first half. The midfield trio of Tate Michelson, David Wang, and Keussom picked up steam and had little resistance moving the ball forward and creating chances.
As the Ephs brought on rested players, they instantly made an impact. In the 58th minute, striker Evan Vasquez brought down a header from Beck Walthers and bolted down the wing before floating a perfect cross into the airspace of Spencer Mix, who rose above a Bates defender to double the Ephs' lead.
Only nine minutes later, Keussom got his goal and, resultantly, guaranteed the Ephs would leave Lewiston with three goals and, most importantly, three points.
Few things are worth repeating, but a note should be made that the Ephs recorded their fourth shutout of the season, having yet to concede a goal. Credit to the entire Eph defense, especially captain Eamon Gara Grady and goalie Ben Diffley, both instrumental in commandeering the backline to a clean sheet.
Diffley saved every shot on target this morning (5), from 18 total shots from Bates. Hammond made three saves against the Ephs' 17 (8) shots.
After the match, coach Eph head coach Steffen Siebert lauded his team's consistency and depth: "Great result on the road against a strong NESCAC opponent. Goals from three different players shows how strong we are across the board. We are excited to be back on Cole to host Union on Tuesday!"
The undefeated Ephs add a tick to the win column (4-0-0), but like Siebert says, will be looking forward to Tuesday, when they take on Union College at Cole Field.
