By Jenna Whelan '22

NEW LONDON, Conn. – Sophomore Rye Jaran (Downingtown, Pa.) teamed up with sophomore Jake Creus (Rye, N.Y.) for Creus' second goal of the season to lead the Connecticut College men's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Williams on Freeman Field on Sunday afternoon. With the win, the Camels improved to 5-1 in NESCAC play and rank first in the conference standings with 15 points.
 
The first half remained scoreless despite both teams applying pressure. The Ephs attacked relentlessly and outshot the Camels, 10-6, over the first 45 minutes, but Connecticut College defenders Roman Dutkewych (Ellington, Conn.), Jorge Mendo (Zaragoza, Spain), and Jack Kelesoglu (Westfield, N.J.) were able to handle the pressure and keep the visiting team off the scoreboard. Junior goalkeeper Sam Maidenberg (South Orange, N.J.) scooped up five of his nine saves during the first half alone.
 
The Camels were able to create some chances early on, with shots on goal from Jack Marvel (Marion, Mass) and Jaran, but Ephs goalkeeper Ben Diffley was able to deflect one and lucked out with Jaran's hitting off the right woodwork.
 
The 0-0 tie continued late into the second half, despite the efforts from junior Augie Djerdjaj (Mahopac, N.Y.). Then in the 74th minute, Jaran found Creus right outside the six-yard box, and Creus fired a low left corner shot past the Williams goalkeeper to give the Camels the advantage.
 
With time running out and Williams (4-3-1, NESCAC 1-2-1) on the attack, Maidenberg and the defensive line were able to hold off a number of last-effort shots to secure the shutout victory. Maidenberg is credited with the win, totaling nine saves, while Ephs goalkeeper Diffley tallied four on the day. 
 
Connecticut College (6-2, NESCAC 5-1) will look to continue its winning streak on Wednesday afternoon in a non-conference matchup against Eastern Connecticut State in Willimantic, Connecticut.