Men's Soccer Loses First Game at Connecticut College

NEW LONDON, Conn. - The Tufts University men's soccer team took its first loss of 2021 against the Connecticut College Camels on the road in a NESCAC game Saturday 2-0. The Camels take over first place in NESCAC with the win, improving to 7-2 in the league and 11-3 overall. Tufts falls to 6-1-2 in NESCAC and 10-1-2 overall.

At the sound of the first whistle, the Camels came out with an underdog intensity. They controlled possession, passed accurately, and developed strong build-up play that led to decent chances on goal. The Jumbos on the other hand lacked their usual sharpness. The first half ended with zero goals on the board for both teams. Connecticut College ended the half with seven shots and three corners, while Tufts only managed two shots and three corners.

The second half contained most of the action with Connecticut College scoring two goals. In the 58th minute, on a long throw-in from the Camels into Tufts territory, defender Jorge Mendo got the ball to midfielder Rye Jaran, who dribbled along the top of the box with a defender on his shoulder and then smashed the ball with his right foot on goal. The ball hit the left-hand post and deflected past Tufts goalkeeper Erik Lauta putting the Camels up by one.

The home team put their foot on the pedal after their first goal and continued to attack the Tufts midfield and defense. In the 67th minute, a Jumbo defensive mistake in the midfield allowed Camels forward Dylan Zane to send a through-ball to Jaran, who struck the ball on his first touch with power into the right side of the goal, leaving Lauta without a chance.

The best scoring opportunity for Tufts came with eight minutes left to play, as forward Mati Cano had a one-on-one with the goalkeeper on the right side of the field, but the shot was straight at the approaching goalkeeper Sam Maidenburg.

The game ended with Tufts contributing 10 shots, six saves by Lauta, six corners and 18 fouls. Freshman Max Clivio (pictured) had three of Tufts' eight shots on goal. Connecticut College had 13 shots, eight saves from Maldenburg, and four corners.

The Jumbos will play their last game of the regular season at Bowdoin on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Conn College will celebrate defeating the third-ranked team in the nation and hope to continue their success with Wesleyan also on Tuesday.

Written by Isaac Karp, Athletic Communications Student Assistant