BENNINGTON, Vt. – The Southern Vermont College men’s soccer team defeated non-conference foe the Johnson State College Badgers 3-2 Wednesday night on Everett Field. A late goal by junior Nick Haggerty in the 88th minute from the left side nine yards out gave SVC the victory. Junior Ben Naaktgeboren led the offense with two goals as Southern Vermont improved to 4-3.
“I am very proud of the way our team played today despite having some of our normal starters out. This was a complete team effort, and exactly the type of performance that we need to have before the start of conference play on Saturday,” said Southern Vermont Head Coach Tim Penrod.
The Badgers struck first in the 10th minute when freshman Lucas Fitzgerald got it in the back of the net capitalizing on a corner kick opportunity. Southern Vermont was not far behind as Naaktgeboren he took a nice set piece flicked on for a near post finish to make it 1-1. Haggerty and sophomore Chris Hanson were noted with the assists on the goal.
Johnson State took the lead once again in the 53rd minute on an unassisted goal from sophomore Mick Sheldon that just passed the hands of SVC keeper Aaron Eschler.
Down 2-1, the Mountaineers mounted another attack and only seven minutes later Naaktgeboren connected with Haggerty and freshman Doug Whitman for another goal to tie it up at two-all.
“As a whole, everyone stepped up their play. No one played a small part. Our second goal was absolutely incredible: brilliant one-touch passing up the entire length of the field. We showed the soccer that we’re capable of playing today. Now it’s up to us as a team to continue pushing ourselves every day to play that way every day,” said Coach Penrod.
The game-winning goal by Haggerty in the 88th minute of play was a beautiful pass from Whitman, his second assist of the day. Haggerty said, “That goal was for my mother, whose birthday is tomorrow!”
Eschler got the win at the net as he tallied six saves. Badger Sam Martin ended the day with four saves in the loss. Naaktgeboren nearly had a hat-trick when, in the closing minute of play, he blasted a header off the left post that bounced out wide.
“Ben had a huge day for us. He’s been battling some small injuries, so I was very proud of the way he pushed through that and put himself in good positions to score on a consistent basis. He did a great job all game winning 50/50 balls in the air: when you’re as tall as he is, that should be expected. But to have the composure to finish both goals the way he did speaks a great deal to the type of kid he is,” said Coach Penrod.
Southern Vermont is back in action Saturday, September 25, when
it kicks off New England Collegiate Conference play against the
Mitchell College Mariners at 3:00 p.m. on Everett Field.
