PURCHASE, NY – Powered by an early first half tally from sophomore
Jackson Hall, the Vassar College men's soccer team posted a 1-0 victory at Manhattanville College on Tuesday evening. The victory moves the Brewers to 4-3-0 overall, while the Valiants slip to 2-3-1 on the season.
Vassar opened the 1-0 advantage with an outstanding effort from \ Hall in the 14th minute of play. Corralling the ball on the far side, Hall sped down the right flank around several defenders, cutting to the inside right of the box. With a final touch, the forward drilled the ball past a diving keeper into the lower left corner of the net.
Nearly added to their lead in the 32nd minute as sophomore
Charlie Rodhouse got the touch on a loose ball in front of the goal, firing it in. Valiants keeper Luis Granados was there to punch it out on the left side and keep the score locked at 1-0.
Manhattanville nearly got itself onto the board two minutes later as Johnny Antolino had a strong effort. Speeding down the left side, Antolino crossed into the top corner of the box, firing in a shot that was scoop saved by senior captain and keeper,
Eric Wnorowski.
Second half action was a back-and-forth affair, which saw the Valiants attempt the equalizer as Michael Mezzina's header went just wide right of the goal. The Brewers answered on the other end two minutes later in the 57th minute as a
Duncan Keker header went wide, but Manhattanville battled back as George Simpson fired in a shot less than a minute later with Wnorwoski making the save.
Senior captain
Owen Fauth nearly made it a two-goal advantage in the 85th minute, but his shot was scooped up and away by Granados.
The Brewers utilized a solid defensive effort down the stretch to hold on for the victory, outshooting the Valiants by a 14-5 margin in the game, including a 6-2 edge on goal. Vassar also held a 5-1 advantage in corners for the contest.
In goal, Wnorowski earned the victory with two stops on the night, while Granados made five saves in the defeat for the Valiants.
The Brewers return to the field on Saturday, opening Liberty League play at home on Gordon Field. Vassar welcomes RIT to begin the league slate, match time is set for 1pm.
