By Zach Perbeck

NEW LONDON, Conn. - Sophomore Rye Jaran (Downingtown, Pa.) scored both goals in Connecticut College's 2-0 victory on Saturday over previously undefeated and third-ranked Tufts. The victory in this NESCAC men's soccer showdown at Freeman Field allowed the Camels to claim the top seed in the NESCAC standings heading into the final week of regular season play.
 
A physical and defensive first half limited the scoring opportunities for both teams as each goalkeeper held their own. The Camels continuously controlled the ball and applied pressure on the Tufts defense throughout the first half, yet Jumbos goalie Erik Lauta repeatedly answered the call by making five saves throughout the first 45 minutes. 
 
As the second half got underway, the Camels continued to apply pressure with good looks at the goal. In the 59th minute, Jaran tallied his first score of the game shortly after a throw-in at mid-field to give the Camels the lead and eventually the victory.
 
Not much later, in the 68th minute, Jaran found himself on the receiving end of a beautifully placed pass by fellow sophomore Dylan Zane (Montego Bay, Jamaica) which he put past the goalkeeper for his second score of the game. Jaran's scoring, combined with an impressive seven saves from junior goalie Sam Maidenberg (South Orange, N.J.) in the second half, pushed the Camels to victory over their top-ranked opponent.
 
Maidenberg earned the win for Connecticut College after a phenomenal performance in net, totaling eight saves, many of which were at crucial moments of the game. On the other side, Lauta took the loss for Tufts (10-1-2, NESCAC 6-1-2) while making six saves in the losing effort. The Camels held a 13-10 lead in shots while the Jumbos led in corners by a total of 6-4.
 
Connecticut College (11-3, NESCAC 7-2) will travel to Middletown, Conn. to face in-state foe Wesleyan on Tuesday, October 26th, at 6:00 p.m. for its final match of the regular season.