After winning its first three contests, the men's soccer team dropped its first game of the year on Tuesday, falling to Wesleyan 1-0 in an overtime thriller.
Heading into Tuesday's match, Tufts had not allowed a single goal, outscoring opponents 11-0 on the season. Their back line was at it once again Tuesday for much of the contest. Anchored by freshman keeper Scott Greenwood, who tallied three saves in the overtime loss, the defense held strong, denying Wesleyan time and again.
"As for Scott Greenwood, I have all the confidence in the world in him," senior forward Scott Blumenthal said. "He has a tremendous work mentality and competitive nature, and despite his young age, he is not afraid to command the team on the field, which is crucial for his position."
Tufts outshot Wesleyan 11-9 and certainly had their share of chances. Perhaps the team's best scoring opportunity came in the 30th minute, when a foul in the box sent First-Team All-NESCAC junior Max Hoppenot to the 12-yard line for a penalty shot. Hoppenot sent a low liner in, but Cardinal keeper, junior Emmett McConnell, guessed correctly and dove to his left to deflect the ball away from net.
The Jumbos continued to apply the pressure, possessing the ball on the Cardinals' side of the field for most of regulation. With two minutes remaining, Tufts let another golden opportunity slip away. A free kick was lofted into the middle of the box, where junior defenseman Sam Williams leaped and directed a firm header towards the top corner of the net. McConnell, however, was quick to react, snagging the ball with both hands and effectively sending the game into extra time.
"Every NESCAC game is competitive," Blumenthal said of the close contest. "We know that there are plenty of things we can learn from and improve upon going forward if we want to reach our goals."
The Cardinals were quick to pounce in the extra session, scoring the deciding goal just 32 seconds into the extra frame. Wesleyan started overtime with the ball and promptly moved it down the right side line. After a cross came into the middle, a battle for possession ensued just outside the Jumbos' penalty box. Wesleyan junior Daniel Issroff found himself in the right place at the right time. With the ball loose just outside the box, Issroff came racing in from midfield and laced a shot just inside the right post to give Wesleyan their second victory of the season.
The goal was Issroff's first of the year and the first Greenwood had allowed in 315 minutes of action, an impressive mark for any player let alone a first-year starter. Yet, it was his counterpart who shone brightest on this day. McConnell, in only his second career start, corralled all five of the Jumbos' shots on goal, singlehandedly keeping his team in the game.
"I have complete faith in whichever one of our keepers takes the pitch," sophomore midfielder Connor Brown said. "All of them can step up and make the big saves when needed. Scott has been playing well in practice and preseason, which is why he is getting the starts."
Wesleyan improved to 3-1 with the win, while Tufts picked up their first loss and fell to 3-1. The Jumbos are now 2-1 in NESCAC action.
Tufts will look to get back in the win column this Saturday when they take on No. 12 Brandeis at home. Players know it will not be an easy task but are thrilled about the early season challenge.
"The team couldn't be more excited to play in front of our crowd again," Brown said. "We're just trying to take it one game at a time and keep getting better."
