Box Score

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (October 17, 2009) – Recovering from a slow start, the Vassar College men's soccer team scored two goals late in the second half en route to a 3-0 non-league win over Farmingdale State College on a cold Saturday morning at Gordon Field.

With their third straight victory, the Brewers improve to 8-5. They will take their 2-2 Liberty League record into the final three league games of the year, with an away weekend at St. Lawrence University and Clarkson University next Saturday and Sunday, concluding the regular season at home against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on October 31. The Rams see their win-streak snapped at six and drop to 8-5-1. They will head to St. Joseph's College for a 7:00 p.m. game on Thursday.

The first half started slow for both squads with neither team generating much offense, however the final 15 minutes showcased significantly more intensity on both sides. The Brewers managed to break through in the 31st minute, establishing a familiar connection as senior Chris Nieminski headed home a Zander Mrlik throw-in, Nieminski's fourth goal of the season, all scored in similar fashion. It was Mrlik's ninth assist of the season, fired from about 20 yards up the left sideline.

Vassar made it 2-0 with 4:46 to play in the half. After a Mrlik throw in bounced around in the box for a while, a short Farmingdale clear landed right at the foot of senior Brian Bianchetti, about 15 yards out. Unmarked, Bianchetti settled the ball and laced a shot into the upper right hand netting for his tenth goal of the season.

The Rams had one of their best opportunities with just under ten minutes to play in the half, as freshman Joe Brantmeyer sent a shot on goal from just outside the 18-yard box. The shot was blocked and redirected to sophomore teammate Tyler Balzer who turned and fired a shot on goal with Vassar keeper Jake London completely shielded, but Balzer's shot sailed wide.

Bianchetti added his second goal of the game in the 63rd minute, with a little help from freshman Bryan English. English received a through ball in front of the net but before he could get a shot off was knocked to the ground by a Farmingdale defender, leading to a penalty kick. Bianchetti took the ensuing free kick and though sophomore goalie Ricky Meschkow made a diving save, it bounced right back to Bianchetti who easily one timed it into the net.

Vassar out shot Farmingdale 20-12 and held a 3-2 edge in corner kicks. London earned the win with one save, while freshman keeper Gary Clauss shut out the Rams in the second half with four saves. Senior Patrick Gubbins took the loss in goal for Farmingdale, making three saves, while Meschkow made one save in the second half for the Rams.