Box Score MEDFORD – Senior forward Gaston Becherano recorded a pair of second half goals in a span of 19 seconds during a 3-0 victory for the Tufts University men's soccer team against visiting Plymouth State Sunday afternoon at Bello Field in Medford, Massachusetts.
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| Brett Rojas scored his first collegiate goal in the 90th minute of action. |
The Jumbos posted back-to-back, three-goal victories to usher in their 2016 home schedule, as the squad defeated Bates, 3-0, Saturday afternoon. Becherano also scored a pair of goals in the victory over Bates, and now has five goals on the season, which is currently tied for the most in the NESCAC Conference.
"Gaston's kind of finding his groove, and regaining his goal-scoring form that he had as a prolific scorer in high school," said head coach Josh Shapiro. "He is playing like a senior. He is determined to get goals. We need him to get goals, and he looks very effective and dynamic, especially on our new home field."
Jumbos junior goalkeeper Bruce Johnson (1-1-0) started in net for the second time this season, as he posted his first shutout of the season and third of his three-year collegiate career. Senior goalkeeper Felix Lindeberg (2-3-1) made 11 saves in the contest for the Panthers (2-3-1, 0-1-0 LEC).
Becherano registered a header goal during the 51st minute off a perfectly executed corner kick by senior midfielder Kevin Lawson. The Hollywood, Florida, native then posted his team-leading fifth goal 19 seconds later unassisted, as he penetrated into the box and beat Lindeberg.
The Jumbos (2-2-1, 1-0-1 NESCAC) put an end to any threat of a Panthers' comeback in the 90th minute, as freshman midfielder Brett Rojas drilled a shot into the back of the net assisted by junior midfielder Christian Zazzali.
The Jumbos controlled the pace of play throughout the game, as they outshot the Panthers, 30-2, including a 16-1 advantage in shots during the first half and a 14-1 advantage during the second frame. The Jumbos fired 14 shots on goal, while holding a 12-0 advantage in total corner kicks. The Jumbos were disciplined for 16 infractions, while the Panthers were charged with eight fouls.
Becherano posted a game-high nine shots in the contest, with five being on goal, while Lawson posted four shots, with three on target. Junior midfielder Kevin Halliday posted five shots, with two on target, and Rojas recorded four shots, with two being on goal.
The Jumbos will make the journey to Waltham, Massachusetts, next Saturday for a 7 p.m. matchup against Brandeis. The squad will then embark on a three-game homestand, with games against Wesleyan University on Tuesday (Sept. 27) at 7 p.m., Amherst on Saturday (Oct. 1) at 2:30 p.m. and Hamilton on Sunday (Oct. 2) at 1:30 p.m.
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