Box Score

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (October 26, 2008) – The Vassar College men's soccer team was unable to overcome a relentless Hobart offense led by senior Tyler Webster (Acton,MA/Acton-Boxborough), as it dropped a 5-1 decision on Sunday in the final Liberty League contest of the season.

The loss drops the Brewers to 7-7-0, 2-5-0 in the Liberty League, and eliminates them from Liberty League postseason play. The Brewers will travel to SUNY New Paltz this Wednesday before closing out the regular season at home next Saturday against SUNY Cortland. With the win, Hobart claims the top seed in the Liberty League, finishing the regular season undefeated with a 15-0-2 record, 6-0-1 in league play. The Statesmen will host the league's postseason tournament on November 7th and 8th.

Vassar's lone goal came from senior Matt Belli (Poughkeepsie, NY/Arlington), who was assisted by classmate Jon Hootnick (Marblehead, MA/Marblehead).

Webster had two goals and an assist on the day to lead Hobart. Also contributing was freshman Tommy Hayes (East Northport, NY/St. Anthony's), with three assists, and senior Dan Riso (Red Hook, NY, Red Hook), who had a goal and an assist in the match. Freshman Evan Grey (Ballston Spa, NY/Ballston Spa) also scored for the Statesmen.

The Brewers entered the second half down 3-0 and seemed poised to get back into the game immediately, as Belli's goal came less than two minutes into the half. A through ball up the left side of the field found Hootnick alone in the box. Hootnick strategically drew Hobart goalie Pete Van Dellon (Webster, NY/Webster Thomas) out of the goal before making a timely pass to Belli, who easily tipped the ball into the open net.

Hobart quickly halted any attempt of a comeback by Vassar, as Grey scored less than a minute later, pounding the ball into the right corner of the net passed diving goalie Jason Cetel (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill).

Hobart's three first-half goals all came within five minutes of each other. Webster scored in the 16th minute after Hayes drew goalie Jake London (Albany, NY/Albany) out of the net and found Webster to his left. Webster lifted the ball into the right side of the net for the goal. Less than 30 seconds later Webster struck again on an almost identical play by Hayes. Hayes picked up his third assist just minutes later, sending the ball into the center of the box to find an open Riso, who tipped the ball into the left corner of the goal.

London recorded two saves on the afternoon, while Cetel also picked up a save playing in goal in the second half. Freshman defenseman Sam Erlichson McCarthy (West Simsbury, CT/Loomis Chaffe) also had a strong day for the Brewers, making a couple of critical plays in the contest, including a diving header that stopped what looked to be a definite Hobart goal.

The Statesmen unleashed 27 shots in the game, nine of which were on goal. Three of Vassar's ten shots were on goal.