BENNINGTON, Vt. – New England Collegiate Conference rivals Southern Vermont College and Mitchell College matched up at Everett Field for the first NECC match of the season. The Mariners took the overtime nail biter 2-1 in front of 175-plus fans. The Mariners improved to 3-3 overall and 1-0 in the NECC, while the Mountaineers fell to 4-4 overall and 0-1 in the NECC.

“I thought we came out and played a good opening 15 minutes,” said Head Men’s Soccer Coach Tim Penrod. “Unfortunately we didn’t have as good of a performance as needed”

SVC Forward, Nick Haggerty found the back of the net first with 31:59 left in the first half. Cohen Bond had the assist for Haggerty’s fifth goal of the season.

The Mariners quickly responded with a goal from Patrick Nelson with 26:09 remaining in the first half. Play in the remainder of the first and second half of the game rendered scoreless. With 4:21 remaining in the first overtime, James Gleason scored the game winner for Mitchell.

“We played in good spurts,” said Coach Penrod. “I thought our fitness level helped us and unfortunately someone has to lose a game like that and this time it was us.”

The overtime game was the second of the season for the Mountaineers.

“We have to expect to play a full 90 minutes every game, especially in conference” added Penrod. “ Top to bottom in our conference there is a great deal of parity, so we have to come ready to leave everything on the field every game. “

SVC keeper, Aaron Eschler had 10 saves from 21 shots on goal. Mitchell keeper, Kevin Woodford had 7 saves from 14 shots on goal.

The men’s soccer team returns to action Tuesday, September 28th at Everett field. Kickoff starts at 4:00 pm. Mitchell College returns to play at Emmanuel College, Wednesday, September 29th.