Box Score LEWISTON, Maine -- Travis Van Brewer scored in the 85th minute and the No. 4 nationally ranked Tufts men's soccer team defeated Bates 1-0 Saturday afternoon at Russell Street Field.
The Jumbos (10-1-1, 6-1-1 NESCAC) have still only allowed one goal all season. Meanwhile, the Bobcats (5-4-2, 1-4-2 NESCAC) got a strong effort from their defense and junior Robbie Montanaro (Belmont, Mass.) made nine saves between the pipes. His counterpart Bruce Johnson made a pair of saves for Tufts.
Offensively, Tufts out-shot Bates 23-12 and tallied eight corner kicks to the Bobcats' three.
In the 85th minute, the Jumbos finally took advantage of one of their corner kick opportunities. Kevin Halliday took the kick and Bates could not clear the ball out of the box. The ball ended up on the foot of Van Brewer and he snuck it by Montanaro for the eventual game-winning goal. The goal marked the third of the season for Van Brewer.
Sophomore Peder Bakken (Seattle, Wash.) recorded both shots on goal for the Bobcats. He fired from the right wing in the ninth minute of the first have, only to have Johnson go down to both knees to secure the ball. Then he had another opportunity in the 58th minute of action but Johnson made another nice save to keep the match scoreless at the time.
The Bobcats nearly tied things up in the 89th minute but senior captain Max Watson missed just high on a header attempt.
Zach Lane led the Jumbos with six shots, including three on goal, but all three got denied by Montanaro.
Tufts in back in action this Wednesday when they travel to Keene State. Bates plays next at home when they host Amherst.
Portions of Realease Courtesy of Bates Athletics
