POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (October 13, 2017) – Jonathan Bow's first career goal proved to be the game-winner as the Vassar men's soccer team picked up their fourth Liberty League win of the season after topping Clarkson 2-1 on Friday afternoon on Gordon Field.
 
"It was a well-played game and it was tough. Clarkson had a great plan coming in, they changed the way they played a little bit and I thought we adjusted really well," said Head Coach Andy Jennings. "We came out really strong the second half and really did some good stuff, really connected well, and our shape defensively was good. But overall, I'm very happy with the result and very pleased with the way the guys played. Another three points in the Liberty League so that's huge for us."
 
Now through five conference matches, the team sits unbeaten at 4-0-1 and second in the league standings by just a point behind St. Lawrence.
 
Through the first 45 minutes of the game, neither side could tally a score as they combined for just eight shots. Much of the play was in the midfield with possession trading back and forth for the two teams.
 
Vassar came out of the halftime break fired up and recharged as they started right away putting the pressure on the Golden Knights defense. The first breakthrough came when Mattie Mrlik fired a shot off the post, Jose Novas collected the rebound and buried it in the open net as the keeper was unable to recover from the first shot. That score put the Brewers up 1-0 in the 62^nd minute.
 
Nearly 10 minutes later, the freshman recorded his first collegiate goal. Kevin Baliat made a nice pass to Bow and the rookie speedster did the rest. He raced down the far sideline making a nice cut to the goal and beat the keeper for the score. The Brewers now held the 2-0 advantage with under 18 minutes to play.
 
As Vassar sat back, Clarkson pushed forward, determined to get a goal. With just about two and half minutes remaining, fresh off the bench, Brian Kroetz controlled the ball inside the box and delivered a perfect pass to Brandon Bahr in front of the goal for the score. But the VC defense held strong for the remaining time to secure the win.
 
Matt Marcelino made the start in net for Vassar, picking up his third win of the season.
 
On the offensive end, Mrlik led the team with four total shots while Novas tallied three.
 
The Brewers have a quick turnaround as they host league leading St. Lawrence on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. on Gordon Field.