POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (October 3, 2015) – Vassar scored three unanswered goals between the first and second halves, as the Brewers secured a 3-1 victory over Clarkson University Saturday afternoon. The win is the fourth straight for VC, as the team improves to 6-2-2 and 2-0 in the Liberty League. Clarkson drops to 4-6-1 (1-2 LL).
Both sides felt each other out early in the game at Gordon Field, before Clarkson struck first in the 29th minute. After the ball was misplayed in the box, Vassar was forced to foul awarding a penalty kick to the Golden Knights. Zachary Godin stepped up and finished into the right center of the net to put the visitors ahead 1-0.
Less than ten minutes later, Vassar had an answer after getting a free kick opportunity from the left wing. Senior Gavin Jennings (Poughkeepsie, NY/Arlington) played a terrific cross through the 18-yard box, which found the head of freshman Tyler Gilmore (Coronado, CA/Coronado) in front of the right post. The first year defender buried his attempt into the left side of the net past the keeper to give the Brewers the equalizer in the 37th minute. Neither side threatened for the rest of the period and the game remained tied 1-1 at the break.
Vassar began to generate offensive pressure at the start of the second half, and was finally rewarded in the 60th minute. Senior Tom Wiechert (San Clemente, CA/San Clemente) was able to get a cross off from the right wing, which found the head of fellow senior Cosmo Veneziale (Garden City, NY/Garden City) in the center of the 18. Veneziale played the ball down to a wide open Reid Smith (Greensboro, NC/Greensboro Day School), who put away his shot to give the Brewers a 2-1 edge.
The Brewers continued to create chances throughout the half, and the second penalty kick of the game was awarded after Jennings was tripped up in the 76th minute. Wiechert stepped up to take the shot, and finished easily to notch his sixth goal of the season.
Clarkson got off a handful of desperation shots late, but the Vassar backline limited any legitimate scoring chances to secure the squad's fourth consecutive victory. The Brewers are also off to their second straight 2-0 start in conference play after going 3-0 in their first three Liberty League games a season ago.
Senior Sebastien Lasseur (Cornwall, CT/Housatonic Vly Regional) finished with five saves to earn the win in goal for VC.
Vassar will return to the pitch next Saturday, October 10 when the team hosts Skidmore College (6-2, 2-0 LL) at Gordon Field. Kickoff is slated for 2:00 pm.
--VASSAR--
