Waterville, MAINE - The Colby College Men's Soccer team traveled across town to open the 2021 season against Thomas College, falling in double overtime by a score of 2-1.  The defeat starts the year at 0-1 for the Mules, while Thomas remains undefeated at 2-0.

The battle was aggressive from the start, with both teams fighting for position.  The average onlooker could not help but notice that the pitch was tilted towards the Terriers' goal, as Colby kept pressuring up both sidelines and thwarted any real Thomas attack.  The Thomas defense stiffened when it needed to and kept the ball out of the net for the first 45minutes, ending of the first half locked at zero.  

The Mules struck first in the second half, with sophomore Ethan Franco (photo left) netting his first collegiate goal at the 54 minute mark.  Franco took advantage of a defensive turnover, collecting the ball at the top of the goalie box and slipping to the right past the keeper to roll the ball across the line from right to left.  Ball possession stayed in Colby's favor, and the Mules were set to take the shutout to start the year, but Stefan Simmons scored for Thomas with a minute and a half to play to force overtime.  

In the two extra periods, both sides played emotionally charged and aggressive.  It appeared this one would end in a tie until Thomas put on a late charge in the final seconds, resulting in Hayden Elwell's game winner with 22 seconds to play.  The run started with a goal kick, and the Terrier possession went the length of the field in just seconds.  

Colby is back in action on Saturday when they travel to Connecticut College to take on the Camels.  Game time is slated for 2:00pm.