The Connecticut College men’s soccer team secured a decisive 3-0 victory over No. 19 Franklin and Marshall in the NCAA Tournament Second Round at Freeman Field on Sunday afternoon. With this win, the Camels improve their season record to 12-2-6, while Franklin and Marshall concludes their campaign at 10-3-7.
The match began cautiously, reminiscent of last year’s second-round encounter between the two teams. Franklin and Marshall had the first opportunity to score when Adam Green’s shot hit the crossbar in the 12th minute. However, Connecticut College quickly seized control, scoring the opening goal just over a minute later. Marco Perugini (Medway, Mass.) advanced into the F&M box, setting up Gavin Vanden Berg (Lake Forest Park, Wash.), who assisted Matt Scoffone (Thornton, Pa.) for a well-placed shot past goalkeeper Nolan Booth at 13:03.
While F&M managed two shots on target during the first half, Camels goalkeeper Peter Silvester (Smiths Parish, Bermuda) successfully denied both attempts. As the first half neared its conclusion, Connecticut College extended their lead to 2-0 at 38:57. Luke Cibelli (New York, N.Y.) delivered a precise pass to a sprinting Elliot Spatz (Bellevue, Wash.), who skillfully maneuvered around a defender before beating Booth.
In the second half, Connecticut College nearly increased their lead to three goals just six minutes in, but Sam Boehm’s (Lexington, Mass.) attempt from the back post went wide. However, the Camels did find their third goal shortly after, at 57:46. Following a blocked pass in the box by Perugini, Vanden Berg capitalized by firing a powerful shot past Booth.
Franklin and Marshall intensified their efforts in the final thirty minutes, but Silvester and substitute goalkeeper TJ Krongard (Montclair, N.J.) remained resolute, ensuring a clean sheet for the Camels.
Despite being outshot 15-9 overall, with F&M holding a 7-4 edge in shots on goal and a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks, Connecticut College’s defense held firm. Silvester recorded five saves in 84 minutes, while Krongard added two saves in the final moments of the match. Vanden Berg led the Camels with three points from one goal and one assist, while Scoffone and Spatz each scored, and Cibelli and Perugini contributed with assists.
Booth, who started in goal for F&M, made one save in 81 minutes before being replaced by Levi Kline, who did not face any shots.
With this victory, Connecticut College advances to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in five seasons under head coach Reuben Burk. The Camels are set to face Kenyon next weekend, with the time and location to be announced.
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