BENNINGTON, Vt.- For the first time in five years the Southern Vermont College Men's soccer team knocked off Daniel Webster College. The Mountaineers beat DWC Saturday 1-0. SVC last beat Daniel Webster on October 8th, 2006. During that span the Mountaineers have lost six times including twice in the NECC Playoffs. Saturday's meeting was the first time SVC hosted Daniel Webster in the last four matches.
"It's a great feeling. It's not a personal things, it's about the seniors who have been here for four years. It's special to get the win for them," said Head Coach Tim Penrod. "This game shows the parity of our conference, and how even the conference is. It shows every game is meaningful for seedings in the postseason."
The Mountaineers seniors were exactly the ones who combined for the winning goal as well. Twenty three minutes in, on a counter attack Noah Massucci beat his defender down the right side and swung a ball in that found the head of captain Nick Haggerty. It was the seventh NECC goal for Haggerty in 2011.
"It was the best opening 45 minutes we have played in five years. We did a great job of putting them under pressure early and dictating the pace of the game," said Penrod. "We did a good job of staying committed to the plan, and not diving in to tackles."
The Mountaineers defense of Greg Gilmore, Connor Murray, Chris Hansen and Eric Parmelee were magnificent all day turning a tough Eagles offense away the entire game. The Eagles put up 13 shots against the Mountaineer defense, however only six were put on goal. The six on goal were all magnificently turned away by freshman goalkeeper Connor Anniello.
"In our conference it is about making the most of your opportunities. It is about who does the little things, the ones who take care of all the details come out on top," added Penrod.
Southern Vermont stretched its lead in the NECC standing, as they improve to 3-0. Daniel Webster drops to 1-1, in NECC play. The Mountaineers will travel to Skidmore Tuesday evening.