Colby College

Waterville, Maine - Knock on wood, but the Colby stadium announcer said today that this is the best men's soccer team he's seen in 15 years. Now, jinxes are not to be messed with, but so is this Colby Men's Soccer team. The Mules resumed their NESCAC conference action today, hosting #11-ranked Williams College and earning a 1-1 draw, taking their record to 2-1-2 and 0-1-1 in NESCAC conference play. Coach Sean Elvert has Colby playing an expansive and attractive style of soccer that has the Mules looking promising this year.

The game started with two brilliant plays from each goalkeeper. Theo Scott tested the Ephs keeper, whose six saves on the day were spectacular, while Jackson Magee followed it up with a great save of his own to keep the game level. The Mules kept knocking on the door, and eventually an effort from Grady Kirk trickled into the back of the net. The excitement from the breakthrough was cut short as less than a minute later, Williams equalised. The remainder of the half reflected the scoreline, as both teams looked evenly matched and created chances on both ends.

Coming out of the break, Colby started strong and almost found a second, as Joseph Beshel, Jude Gussen, and Luke Cunniffe all tried their luck, with one of them coming off the crossbar. Beshel, playing as a holding midfielder, seemed to be everywhere in the second half. The senior was instrumental in the Mules' buildup and attack, but most importantly in 50/50 duels, where he comfortably deterred any Williams attack near him. At the other end, Cunniffe continued to pose problems for the Ephs' defence, rifling a shot into the bottom-right corner to force another brilliant save from goalkeeper Kai Darrell. 

Although neither team could find a second goal, Colby held their own against their third, ranked opponent of the year. The Mules outshot their opponents in both halves, with 7 of those hitting the target to Williams' three. But for Elvert's side, compounding on their momentum is key as they face two tough tests at home in the coming week. The best team in 15 years is a bold statement, but the potential is there.

The Mules are back in action tomorrow at 2 pm, as they host Connecticut College in another NESCAC conference matchup.