Box Score Framingham, Mass. – The Connecticut College men's soccer team tallied the game's only goal in the opening minutes of the contest as the Camels picked up a 1-0 victory over the Framingham State University Rams in non-conference action this afternoon at Maple Street Field.
With the victory, the Camels improve to 9-3-1 on the year, while the Rams slip to 5-10 with the setback.
The Camels grabbed the early lead and would never relinquish it with a marker in the 14th minute. Sophomore Graham Koval (pictured by Frank Poulin, Crested Butte, Colo.) sent a shot on net that junior Josh Arno (Natick, Mass.) saved. The rebound bounced right back to Koval who headed the ball over Arno into the back of the net for his first of the season giving the Camels a 1-0 lead.
The Rams had several chances to score in the second half, but could not convert. Senior Cory Cardeiro (Fall River, Mass.) was alone on the wing with just over 34 minutes remaining, but his shot sailed wide. With 18 minutes remaining, the Rams had their best scoring opportunity. Junior Jeffrey Braverman (Framingham, Mass.) sent a corner into the box that Mitchell Osgood (Salem, Mass.) headed towards the net, but junior Austin DaCunha (Brookfield, Conn.) came up with the diving save.
The Camels outshot the Rams 17-10 in the game and held a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks. Arno suffered the loss in net for the Rams despite making nine saves. DaCunha earned the victory making four saves.
The Camels are back in action on Saturday at home against Bowdoin beginning at 2 p.m.
Camel Tracks-Not Including Today's Contest
The exceptional play of the Connecticut College back four consisting of senior Ajami Gikandi (Princeton, N.J.), sophomores Brooks Clark (Boxford, Mass.) and Nate Summers (Westfield, Mass.) along with first-year Tim Hilbrunner (Groton, Mass.) has been a major factor in the team's success this fall. Junior central midfielder Pat Devlin of Washington Crossing, Pa. is leading the way for the Camels, who are trying to qualify for the NCAA Championship for the first time since 1995. Devlin has two goals and one assist so far this season and is the most dominant midfielder this program has seen in recent history.
Meanwhile on the forward line, freshman Mark Leon of Wrentham, Mass. continues to make an impact in his first season on the pitch. Leon has scored six goals and assisted on two others to lead the Camels with 14 points. His six markers are the most for a Camel freshman men's soccer player since current assistant coach Trevor Prophet '10 netted six scores in 2007. Leon is fifth in NESCAC goals scored with his six scores and is also ranked seventh in total offensive production with his 14 points.
Junior keeper Austin DaCunha of Brookfield, Conn. has been one of the most improved players on the team. DaCunha is playing with a much higher level of confidence this year and has moved into a tie for third place in the NESCAC with five shutouts, while ranking seventh in the conference with a 1.07 goals against average and a .727 save percentage. Sticking with the defense, holding midfielder Colin Patch (Providence, R.I.) is enjoying his finest season in a Camel uniform. .The Camels will return home to Freeman Field Saturday to honor their five seniors prior to their 2:00 p.m. NESCAC game against Bowdoin College.
