Box Score ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Thanks to header goals from defenders John Pontillo and Cameron French in the opening 14 minutes of the match, the No. 19 Swarthmore College men's soccer team (6-1-1, 2-0-1) earned a crucial 2-1 road victory over Muhlenberg on Thursday evening.
The Garnet took the early lead in the 11th minute and doubled that lead just three minutes later, with both goals coming in similar fashion. Senior center back Pontillo came forward on a free kick and converted a header on junior Noah Sterngold's swerved ball. The senior captain made the most of his first start of the season, giving the Garnet the early 1-0 lead.
Junior center back French followed suit in the 14th minute, coming forward on a corner kick, and heading the game-winning goal into the back of the net, making it a 2-0 match and leaving the homestanding Mules shellshocked. Junior
Jack Momeyer served in the corner.
Muhlenberg senior star Cody Antonini cut the Swarthmore lead in half, scoring in the 45th minute just seconds before the end of the first half. Antonini's blast bounced off a Garnet defender and into the net, giving Swarthmore just a 2-1 edge at the half.
Ahead 2-1 in the second half, the Swarthmore defense came through to preserve the important road win. The Garnet defense endured a flurry of Mule shots (11) in the second half but never faltered, holding on for the 2-1 win.
Junior goalkeeper Peter Maxted had an outstanding match in goal for the Garnet, totaling six saves on the day, including four in the second half. The Mules' junior goalie, Jas Chojnowski, finished with two saves.
The victory marked the Garnet's fourth consecutive win against the Mules. Swarthmore's win at Varsity Field marked the Mules' first home defeat since falling to Merchant Marine in the 2010 NCAA Tournament.
The Garnet will look to continue its unbeaten streak in Centennial Conference play against McDaniel on Saturday, Sepetmeber 29th, from Clothier Field. Play is set for 7:00 p.m.
