MEDFORD, MA (September 12, 2026) – The No. 1 ranked Tufts University men's soccer team tallied an 83rd minute go-ahead goal to lift themselves over Colby 2-1 in NESCAC play.
 
The Jumbos (2-1-0, 2-1-0 NESCAC) faced an early 1-0 deficit, but refused to give in, evening the score before halftime and grabbing the late lead to earn the hard fought victory. Alex Johnson was the hero for Tufts, as he headed in his second career game-winning goal to help the squad earn a much needed three points in conference play.
 
The Mules (1-1-1, 0-1-0 NESCAC) came out hungry and stunned the Jumbos just five minutes and 30 seconds into the game after Jude Gussen found himself alone with the goalkeeper and put in a low screamer to the left side of the goal for the early marker. Luke Cunniffe split two Tufts defenders with a perfect through ball to Gussen, who used his speed to outrun the defenders and earn his first goal of the season.
 
Tufts went into the break with an eight to four shot advantage, while both teams were deadlocked in corner kick opportunities with two apiece.
 
Colby started a conservative style of play following their goal and the Jumbos pounced on their opportunity to attack. Tufts' relentless crossing attack eventually led to a 1-1 score after Xavier Canfin tucked in his second of the season. Will Nicholas made a remarkable run down the right side of the field and fed Canfin cutting towards the middle of the box for an easy put away past the goalkeeper.
 
The Mules created some attacking zone pressure in the middle stages of the second half and nearly took a 2-1 lead after Eric Normandeau labeled a shot that seemed destined for the top right corner, but he hit the crossbar, ultimately leaving the game tied at one.
 
The Jumbos took a 2-1 lead in the 83rd minute after Alex Johnson went sky high to head the ball past Jackson Magee. Ellis Denby set up for a free kick opportunity just outside of the box after a Mules foul and sent in a dot to Johnson for his first of the year. The Jumbos rarely allowed the ball to go beyond midfield in the final 10 minutes to hold off Colby for the important NESCAC victory.
 
Johnson and Bijan Akhtarzandi-Das played the full 90 minutes for Tufts in the win, while Ellis and Nicholas both dished out their assists after coming off the bench.
 
The Jumbos are back home on Tuesday for their first non-conference matchup against the Beacons of UMass Boston on Bello Field at 6 PM!