Box Score TROY, N.Y. - Junior co-captain Jack Momeyer scored his first goal of the season early in the second half, after forcing an own goal to open the scoring in the first, and the Swarthmore College men's soccer team (3-0-0) defeated the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Engineers (2-1-1) 2-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Swarthmore has now started 3-0-0 in four consecutive seasons.
The Garnet got its first goal on an own goal off a corner kick. Momeyer took the corner and sent the ball toward the goal, where it was nearly cleared out by a Rensselaer defender. However, the clearing attempt deflected off another RPI player and into the net at 17:20.
Head coach Eric Wagner was not shy to turn to his bench in the first half, bringing on six substitutes to continually replenish the 10 field players that worked hard to defend an onslaught of RPI shots near the close of the half. Wagner eventually cycled through 19 players on the day, a composite lineup that proved successful.
In his first game back in action, senior and two-year co-captain John Pontillo saw limited action in the first half, coming on with 8 minutes to play, but saw more extended play in the second half, entering the match in the final twenty minutes to anchor a defense that would eventually hold onto a 2-0 lead.
Momeyer made sure the Garnet began the second half in much the way it began the first, scoring a decisive goal just two minutes into the stanza. Junior Geli Carabases flighted a dangerous ball in the 18-yard where junior Joe Keedy set up Momeyer for a clinical finish. Courtesy of Momeyer's insurance, the Garnet were able to finish out the match in comfort and confidence.
The Garnet outshot the Engineers 13-12, but managed to put two fewer on target than their opponent. Junior Peter Maxted was forced to save eight Engineer shots, earning his second shutout of the year in as many starts, while RPI keeper, sophomore Rob Dewald made three stops.
The Garnet will be in action next Wednesday, September 12th at 320-rival Widener University. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m.
