Box Score MEDFORD, Mass. – The Tufts University Men's Soccer team opened up their 2017 season in dramatic fashion as they beat Babson College 1-0 in overtime off the foot of sophomore Gavin Tasker.
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| Alex Ratzan recorded an assist on the game winning goal in his first collegiate game. |
The Jumbos (1-0-0) had many chances throughout the game to get on the board, but the elusive goal didn't come until 20 seconds into the first overtime period when Tasker found the back of the net off a couple well placed passes from teammates Brett Rojas and Alex Ratzan.
Tufts outshot the Beavers (2-1-0) 15-2 in a game where the possession leaned in favor of the home team. Babson did have a few good chances, the best of which came late in the first half when a lone Beaver went on a breakaway. Dan McGuinness had the ball at the top of the box with a Jumbo on his tail before Tufts goalie Bruce Johnson was able to dive and swallow the ball up before McGuinness could get a shot off.
As the rain started coming down a bit heavier in the second half, things got a bit chippier with both teams picking up a yellow card and a total of 22 fouls.
While it took overtime for the deciding goal, it almost didn't have to be that way. With time running down in the second half, the Jumbos sent a cross into the box that found Ratzan who sent it passed outstretched Babson goalie James Takami. Tufts' celebration was cut short by a raised offside flag.
A few minutes earlier Zach Lane had the ball down the right side for Tufts and had a decent look, but was unable to find the net.
In the 73rd minute, Tufts had a set of corner kicks that resulted in shots by Zachary Trevorrow and Travis Van Brewer, neither of which were enough to beat Takami.
The first half didn't provide too many quality looks for either side. The aforementioned Babson opportunity and a free kick in the final seconds for Tufts that was punched out of a crowd by Takami were the only real genuine chances.
The game winner was Tasker and the Jumbo's first goal of the season. He had three in his freshman campaign. Rojas picked up his second collegiate assist and Ratzan, only a freshman, recorded his first career point for his efforts on the play.
Tufts held the advantage in corners 8-2. Takami recorded seven saves on eight shots on goal for the Beavers. Johnson saved the only shot on goal he faced.
Babson will travel to Brandeis this Saturday at 7 p.m. to look to get back on track.
Next up for Tufts will be another home match this time against Colby College on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
Written by Curtis Stoychoff, Athletic Communications Intern
