Daniel Webster Tips Southern Vermont 2-1 In Battle For First Place
Photo Courtesy: Matt Haggerty
Portions of Article Courtesy: Ken Belbin
NASHUA, N.H. - The Southern Vermont College men's soccer team fell behind early when the Daniel Webster College Eagles notched two goals in the opening 14 minutes of play leading to a 2-1 loss in a physical NECC mid-season clash Saturday on Eagle Field. The loss ends the Mountaineers seven game winning streak.
The win was a program record seventh straight for the Eagles (7-2, 3-0 NECC) as they continued their best start in history and maintained sole possession of first place in the conference standings. The win also cooled off the significantly improved Southern Vermont club (8-3-1, 2-1-1 NECC) that came in unbeaten (7-0-1) over its previous eight outings.
Joe Keene earned the win in goal for the Eagles with six saves, while Mountaineer keeper Aaron Eschler made eight saves including three sparkling stops in the second half.
Andre Garcia put the hosts ahead on their first shot of the day just 1:28 into the contest heading home a Rasmus Ronas cross pass into the far right corner for his first of the season.
Alex Jackson would double the lead at the 14:01 mark. After rookie Joel Jerrhag intercepted a Mountaineer clearing attempt deep in the SVC zone, Jackson hopped on the loose ball and hooked a smooth 15-yarder into the top left corner past a sprawling Eschler.
Southern Vermont pressed in the second, carrying the play through the opening 25 minutes and cut the lead in half in the 53rd when Adrien Alexis took a Nick Haggerty steal and with Keene challenging, dropped a soft 20-yarder floater over the keeper for his ninth of the year and a 2-1 game.
But the Eagle defense buttoned down over the final 15 minutes and limited SVC to just one scoring threat in the final moments.
Both teams were physical throughout with a total of 33 fouls whistled. The Eagles finished with a 12-8 total shots advantage.
Southern Vermont visits Johnson State Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
