By Claire Gulbin '22

NEW LONDON, Conn. – Sophomore Jake Creus (Rye, N.Y.) scored the game-winning goal with under a minute to play as the top-seeded Connecticut College men's soccer team defeated Colby, 1-0, in a NESCAC semifinal match on Saturday afternoon on Freeman field. With the victory, the Camels advanced to the championship match for the first time in program history.
 
Connecticut College (14-3), which also tied a school record for wins in a season, controlled the tempo of the first half. The Camels came out strong offensively, creating many opportunities to score and putting pressure on the Colby defensive line, forcing them to make plays to keep the home team off the scoreboard.
 
The hosts were also able to set up five corner kicks and eight shot attempts in the first 45 minutes. The Camels' defense was solid as well, allowing just one shot attempt for the Mules in the first half. Despite the multitude of scoring threats from the Camels, the Colby defense managed to escape the first half with an even score of 0-0. Goalkeeper Noah Jackson helped keep the Mules in the game with three first half saves.
 
The second half mirrored the first, as Connecticut College continued to be aggressive offensively and push the pace of the game. The Camels' impressive defensive performance also continued into the second half. Colby struggled to keep possession and was held to just four shot attempts, while the Camels were able to get off 11.
 
After chipping away at the defense for nearly 90 minutes, the Camels were finally able to score the deciding goal of the game with just under 40 seconds to play in the match. At the start of the final minute, junior Bruce Doyle (Hoboken, N.J.) found Creus in the box with space and time. Creus took a touch before striking the ball past the goalkeeper to give the Camels the lead.
 
With 20 seconds left, Connecticut College was called offside and Colby (7-8-1) was given one last attempt to tie the game. The Mules loaded the box and sent the free kick into a sea of players. Paul Hawkins was able to get a shot off, but goalkeeper Sam Maidenberg (South Orange, N.J.) saved the ball and held onto it as the clock ran out, and the Camels stormed the field in dramatic fashion. 
 
Colby goalkeeper Noah Jackson made five saves in the loss for the Mules, while Maidenberg stopped one shot to help the Camels advance to the championship game.
 
The Camels will next host Tufts (12-1-3) tomorrow at 12 p.m. in the NESCAC Championship final.