BENNINGTON, Vt. - The Southern Vermont men's soccer team held New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) leader Mitchell College to just two goals but it was not enough to seal the victory as they lost 2-0 on Saturday.
This is the Mountaineers fifth straight loss as they fall to 2-11-1 overall and 1-4 in the NECC. The victory improves the Mariners to 8-8 overall and 5-0 atop the NECC.
Southern Vermont may have been outshot 31-7 but they were not outplayed as sophomore goalkeeper Aaron Eschler (Gloversville, N.Y./Broadalbin-Perth HS) had 13 saves out of the 15 on goal from Mitchell.
In the 27th minute of play senior midfielder Josh Griffo took advantage on a Mariner corner kick that found its way through the SVC defense and into the back of the Mountaineer frame to make it 1-0. Griffo scored both goals on the day for Mitchell striking again in the 61st minute of play to give the Mariners a 2-0 cushion with 19 minutes to play.
Racking up the offense for Southern Vermont was sophomore midfielder Kevin Wood (Hoosick Falls, NY/Hoosick Falls HS) who had a good look at the goal only to have it snagged by Mitchell junior goalkeeper Andrew Hall at the line. Hall had three saves in 90 minutes of play.
Also contributing to the Mountaineer offense were sophomore midfielder Tony Martinez (Hoosick Falls, N.Y./Hoosick Falls HS) and sophomore Dave Gage (Gloversville, NY/Broadalbin-Perth HS) who each had scoring opportunities but could not get it past Hall.
Southern Vermont is back in action on the road against SUNY-Cobleskill on Tuesday, October 21. Kickoff is at 4:00p.m.