0-0 Draw for No.2 Ephs in NESCAC home opener

WILLIAMSTOWN, MASS. -- The first half contained very little action to speak of, as possession changed easily and often between the two sides. Most of the game was fought in the midfield, and in a very physical game. Big credit to the Ephs' defensive block who, when called upon, snuffed out many of Colby's attacking chances

The second half brought opportunities, but still no goals.

In a game full of strong defensive performances, center backs Griffin Labonski and Eamon Gara Grady were as usual, flawless in the backline for the Ephs. In the 66th minute, Labomski made a crucial slide tackle on a Colby attack after Keeper Ben Diffley parried the ball into the Mules' path. 

One of the more attacking highlights came when Jeff Stauffer beat his man from the midfield, sliced through a couple more Mule defenders, and sailed a shot that narrowly missed the far most. With both teams were fatigued from a contested first half. It was clear that the last 20 minutes would be more action-packed than the first 70. 

Case in point when in the 73rd minute, Diffley sailed a free kick from deep in his half to Gara Grady, whose header barely slipped over the crossbar. Close, but no cigar for the Ephs. 

The first and only shot on target of half came in the 79th minute when Sam Gibson slipped down the right flank, evading Colby defenders before drilling his shot into the Colby keeper. 

Diffley made two saves on the day, and the Ephs registered 12 shots today, with five of them on target. 

After the match, Head Coach Steffen Siebert said, "As anticipated, we met a very strong Colby team on Cole Field today. Colby has been undefeated and not scored on all year - so it was great to see how many chances we were able to create against a very good Colby defense. Another great performance from our guys not allowing many chances and tallying our 6th straight shutout to start the season. After the great performance today, we are excited to back on Cole Field tomorrow."

After today's stalemate, the Ephs are 5-0-1. They play the second game of their weekend double header, tomorrow on Cole Field, versus Bowdoin at noon.