NEW LONDON, Conn. - The Connecticut College men's soccer team bounced back from a loss over the weekend to claim its first NESCAC victory on Tuesday afternoon. The Camels defeated Trinity 3-0 thanks to goals by
Gavin Vanden Berg (Lake Forest Park, Wash.),
Augie Djerdjaj (Mahopac, N.Y.) and
Steve Yeonas (McLean, Va.).
After being left off the United Soccer Coaches national rankings because of a loss to Bowdoin last weekend, the defending national champions came out with a chip on their shoulder against their in-state rivals.
Conn struck first 12 minutes into the contest when Yeonas dribbled the ball into the penalty box on the left side of the field. The senior cautiously cut through several defenders before delivering the ball to Alex Robles (Reston, Va.). With the option to shoot, Robles instead sent a perfect touch pass onto the foot of a wide open Vanden Berg who ripped a shot into the upper left corner of the net to give the Camels a 1-0 lead.
For the remainder of the first half, the Bantams remained stagnant offensively, but did a great job of limiting Conn's offensive opportunities. Both teams only accumulated one shot on goal each.
Nearly halfway through the second half, the Camels took advantage of a costly Trinity mistake. Following a corner kick, Jake Creus (Rye, N.Y.) crossed the ball into the penalty box. The ball deflected off a Bantam defender's wrist resulting in a handball and penalty kick for Conn. Djerdjaj buried the ensuing attempt past keeper Bernardo Simoes, to give the home team a two-goal lead.
Less than eight minutes later, the Camels cemented the victory when Creus found first year Maurice Pigola (Gorlitz, Germany) with a lead pass through the Bantam defense. Pigola fired a shot that deflected off of Simoes. Yeonas streaked up the left side to touch the loose ball into the net just before a Trinity defender could make a goal-saving play.
With the game well in hand, the Camels continued the offensive attack tallying three more shots on goal, but settled for the 3-0 victory.
Connecticut College (3-1-1, 1-1-1 NESCAC) has now won nine of its last 10 matchups with Trinity (0-2-2, 0-1-1 NESCAC).
The Camels have now outscored their opponents 16-1 in the first five games of the season. The trio of Djerdjaj, Yeonas and Vanden Berg have scored three goals each thus far.
Sam Maidenberg (South Orange, N.J.) and Peter Silvester (Smiths Parish, Bermuda) split time in goal for Conn.
The Camels will be back in action on Tuesday, September 27 at home against Wheaton.
