SCRANTON, Penn. - The Williams College men's soccer team earned a composed 4-0 victory over La Roche University on Saturday afternoon to advance in the NCAA Tournament.
Sophomore Alex Bethencourt scored three goals in the first 13:46 of Saturday's game, earning his hat trick in just 12:40 of game time.Â
With the win, the Ephs advance to play on Sunday, squaring off against the winner of the University of Scranton and St. Joseph's University, which takes place later on Saturday.
Williams took the lead just 1:06 into the game, when JJ Ruehlemann played a ball over the defense to Bethencourt, who dribbled past the goalkeeper and finished into the empty net.
At 8:43, Bethencourt struck again, when Ben Brown played a long ball into his path and he chipped the goalkeeper. And at 13:46, Bethencourt received a pass from Mohamed Keussom and shot to the low far post corner from 20 yards, despite being swarmed by three defenders.
The Ephs added a fourth goal just three minutes before the half, when a corner kick was played into the box and eventually found its way to Henry Kirkman. His header found David Armini, and the senior captain and central defender headed home the first goal of his career.
Sophomore Kai Darrell made three saves in net for Williams to earn the shutout, his third of the season.
The Ephs will play their NCAA Second Round match on Sunday at 3pm at Scranton.
