Wesleyan's Late Winner Pushes Them Past Men's Soccer 1-0

Box Score MIDDLETOWN, Conn. - On a rainy Tuesday night in Middletown, Connecticut at Smith Field Tufts men's soccer fell to Wesleyan 1-0 after a long hard-fought NESCAC match.
 
In a game that was tied 0-0 for most of it, Evan O'Brien was able to break the tie for Wesleyan in the 81^st minute. He received a great ball crossed into him from a free kick on the left side of the field from Lucas Ruehlemann. O'Brien headed it past Tufts goalkeeper Erik Lauta, and the Wesleyan sideline erupted with cheers as they took the 1-0 lead over conference opponent Tufts and scored the only goal of the night.  
 
The first half of the game was controlled by Tufts holding a majority of the possession throughout. They moved the ball well and were able to get nine shots off, but were just not able to find the back of the net. With just 12 minutes remaining in the first half play was called to a stop with a lightning delay. After a 30-minute break in play Tufts was able to come back out and remain in control of the game which went into the half tied 0-0.
 
Tufts out-shot Wesleyan 14-9 through 90 minutes. Staying on the attacking foot throughout the game Tufts totaled nine corners where Wesleyan only earned one. Lauta for Tufts totaled six saves on the night, but opposite him Liam Devanny made 10 saves and was the difference maker for the Cardinals.  
 
Tufts is now 1-1-1, 0-1-1 in conference, while Wesleyan improves to 3-0-0, 2-0-0. Tufts looks onto their next match Saturday at Amherst. 

Written By Daniel Pierce, Athletic Communications Intern