Photo Courtesy: Matt Haggerty

BENNINGTON, Vt. - The Southern Vermont College men's soccer team faced off against its conference foe Elms College on homecoming weekend in what was the most explosive game of the year at Everett Field. The boisterous homecoming crowd booed and cheered as the game was plagued with foul after foul (37 in all including several yellow cards). The record setting attendance of 174 gave the added support needed to push the Mountaineers (2-6-1) as they reigned victorious by a score of 1-0 giving them their first conference win of the season.

In what looked to be just another sprint down the field towards the Elms goal freshman Nick Haggerty (Wynantskill, N.Y./Averill Park HS) outplayed his defenders and connected, with what would be the game-winning goal, in the right back corner of the frame. Haggerty's goal in the 76th minute gives him a team high of four goals and nine points this season for the Mountaineers.

Defensively SVC sophomore goalkeeper Aaron Eschler (Gloversville N.Y./Broadalbin-Perth HS) had a great week posting two shutouts and has not given up a goal in 239 minutes. Eschler had five saves on the day, totaling 20 for the week, and he also leads the NECC with 92 saves. He blocked several cross passes and took away any scoring opportunities for the Blazers.

Each team had 10 shots making it an evenly matched game. The Blazers Brian Murca and had a few shots but could not get it past Eschler and the Mountaineers tough defense. Elms drops to 3-6 on the year and 0-2 in New England Collegiate Conference play. SVC improved to 2-6-1 and picked up their first conference win of the year (1-1) and first for Head Coach Tim Penrod.

The Mountaineers host Curry at Everett Field Monday, September 29. Kickoff is at 4:30PM. For all SVC sports news, pictures, and more please visit www.svcathletics.com.