Box Score
Game Program

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (October 1, 2011) – In a physical and evenly matched game on a rain-soaked Gordon Field, the Vassar College men's soccer team went toe-to-toe with its second top-ranked opponent of the season, but came up just short as St. Lawrence University prevailed 1-0 with a second-half goal on Saturday at Gordon Field. Earlier in the season, Vassar played then No. 1 Christopher Newport.

Vassar matched St. Lawrence's aggressive style of play all game, but in the 60th minute, St. Lawrence junior defender JJ Tipton scored the eventual game-winner with a left-footed corner kick just beyond the reach of Vassar's keeper.

With the win, the Saints (10-0, 3-0 Liberty) take sole possession of first place in the Liberty League with nine points. The Brewers (7-3, 2-1 Liberty) are tied for second place with Hobart College and Clarkson University with six points, and have emerged as a playoff contender. The Brewers will face Skidmore College at home next Sunday, September 9, at 1:00 pm, while the Saints will travel to Hobart College on Saturday, September 8, at 2:00 pm.

Vassar played tough defense throughout the game, and managed to hold St. Lawrence scoreless in the first half despite the Saints' 9-3 shot advantage. Vassar's best opportunity of the first half came in the 35th minute, when senior forward Eli London headed the ball just over the crossbar off a well-placed cross from junior forward Dante Varotsis.

The Brewers kicked off the second half with a strong offensive push before conceding the game's only goal. Despite the setback, Vassar remained aggressive on offense, and nearly found  the equalizer when senior defender Sam Erlichson McCarthy ripped a volley just high off a cross from Varotsis. The Brewers were unable to bring the match level, and St. Lawrence's slim lead held for the remainder of the game.

St. Lawrence keeper Brian Abernethy earned the win while Vassar keeper Ryan Grimme posted five saves in the loss.