MEDFORD, MA (September 6, 2023) – Tufts University men's soccer toppled over the MIT Engineers 4-1 From Bello Field following a full 90 minutes of an impressive offensive showing from Coach Kyle Dezotell's squad.
The Engineers threw the initial punch in the game, scoring a scrapper within the first ten minutes of play. MIT's Aidan Hallinan put the Engineers on top early as Tufts found themselves on their heels early on.
The following thirty minutes of play was back-and-forth physicality between the two teams, as both teams committed a total of 13 fouls in the first half. MIT's James Simon was awarded the first yellow of the game, after being overly aggressive on the defensive end.
Jumbos would finish the first half in the hole 1-0, despite three corner kick opportunities that were faltered by MIT goalkeeper Lukas Hansen-Puffer.
Jumbos snatched control at the start of the second half and refused to let go throughout the rest of the game. Just one minute into the start of the second half, first-year defender Ethan Jett placed a beautiful cross that found Woovin Shin on the right post for a scorching header to give the Jumbos the 1-1 equalizer.
Following the equalizer, MIT showed signs of life by drawing a foul in the Jumbos defensive third, their free kick was a cross that found the head of Alex Wall, who headed their attempt away for an MIT corner.
Jumbos continued to display offensive prowess throughout the game, as Ethan Feigin netted the second goal of the season for the Jumbo's, off a Sean Traynor layoff pass that was rifled into the right side netting past MIT's near post. Advancing the Jumbos lead to two goals to one.
Tufts earned a penalty in the 77th minute following a beautiful through ball from the right fullback that led Junior forward Ben Verner straight into the box, where he was met by a colliding Hansen-Puffer, and ultimately awarded the penalty. Feinberg would take responsibility for stepping up to the spot, and ultimately converted without contest, advancing the Jumbos lead to 3-1.
The last goal of the night came off the foot of Henry Perkins who received a beautifully placed cross from Traynor's service that would end the scoring for the game.
Tufts can hang their hat on their exceptional team play and mental toughness, as the team showed great chemistry and resilience through their defensive and midfield physicality, and coordination on the offensive end.
Jumbos out shot the Engineers 23-10 on the night proving their offensive dominance in their first showing of the season. Daniel Yanez and Woovin Shin led the way offensively for the Jumbos, each contributing three shots. Traynor was the main playmaker for the Jumbos, supplying both Feigin and Perkins on the day.
Jumbos will look to keep the ball rolling in their first New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) meeting against Conn College from Silfen Field this Saturday in New London, CT at 12:00pm.
Written by Sports Information Intern David Cataloni
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