By Johnny Alexandre '22

BRUNSWICK, Maine – The Connecticut College men's soccer team was unable to spoil the Bowdoin Polar Bears' Senior Day, falling by a score of 3-1 on Saturday afternoon. 
 
In the 11th minute, Bowdoin's Minseo Bae scored the first goal of the game, receiving a chip through the ball and taking a touch to control it, in space, just outside the Connecticut College 18-yard box. Bae and the ball he handled was in an awkward space – too far out for junior goalie Samuel Maidenberg (South Orange, N.J.) to attack it with his hands – and Bae was able to kick it past the Connecticut College goalkeeper for the 1-0 lead. 
 
Connecticut College played aggressively afterward, firing balls into Bowdoin's 18-yard box and most often through freshman right-back Jorge Mendo (Zaragoza, Spain). Applying the pressure finally paid off in the 19th minute when sophomore Rye Jaran (Downington, Pa.) was the last Camel to kick a ball that had been blocked and deflected multiple times through both Camels and Polar Bears. The ball finally found the back of the net and was officially ruled an own goal against Bowdoin to tie the score, 1-1.
 
Connecticut College held the majority of possession in the first half, showing confidence in their goalkeeper Maidenberg, who they often played the ball back to settle possessions before setting up their attack down the field. The Camels led the Polar Bears in shots by a 5-3 count in the first half, which included a picture-perfect strike with his favored left foot by junior captain Steve Yeonas (McLean, Va). The ball was fired on target for the top left corner of the Bowdoin net, just to be saved by their goalkeeper Chris Kingston.  
 
Maidenberg saw his number called early and often in the second half, making two great saves in the 46th and 47th minutes, by once diving to protect his right post on a curving shot and next by batting a dangerous ball out of the air in front of his net.
 
In the 54th minute, Bowdoin's Charlie Ward received a through ball and found himself running free with only Maidenberg in between him and the lead. At the last second Ward fired his shot and Maidenberg made a kick save on the breakaway attempt, with his left foot, similar to that of a hockey goalie. Unfortunately for the Camels, the rebound found Bowdoin's Julian Juantoreno who was able to shoot the ball into the open net for the 2-1 lead. 
 
The Polar Bears were able to secure the win in the 85th minute. Bowdoin's Drake Byrd was able to draw Maidenberg out on the right side of the 18-yard box. Byrd then passed across the box to his teammate Everett Horch, who was able to capitalize on the favorable angle to the net for the 3-1 lead and victory. 
 
Connecticut College led the game in corners, 3-1 while Bowdoin (7-4-1, NESCAC 4-4-1) led in shots, 10-8, and shots on goal, 6-3. Bowdoin's Kingston registered two saves in the victory and the Camels' Maidenberg had three saves in the loss.
 
Connecticut College (8-3, NESCAC 6-2) will next travel to Rhode Island College on Tuesday, October 19th to face off against the Anchorman at 4 p.m.