After a disappointing 2-1 loss at Bates on Saturday, a defeat that dropped the team to 2-2 in the NESCAC, the men's soccer team bounced back with a 6-1 thrashing of non-NESCAC opponent Salve Regina in Newport, Rhode Island on Tuesday afternoon. Though the opponent was mediocre, the offensive breakout was much-needed, as the Jumbos prepare for three consecutive, tough, home NESCAC games in the next week.
The scoring on Tuesday was well distributed, with leading scorer, junior midfielder Garret Dale netting a goal and assisting on two others, while senior Pat Brophy and sophomore Alex Berg each tallied a goal and an assist.
"Coming in all we knew is that they played Trinity tough and lost 3-1. So they are a pretty competitive team," said sophomore keeper Joe Coletti, who recorded 2 saves in the victory. "Against Bates we took it to them, but just couldn't finish. Against Salve, we were just able to shut the door."
Brophy scored the first goal in the 12th minute of competition by heading in a beautiful cross from senior tri-captain and defenseman Mike Prindiville. Ten minutes later, Tufts extended the lead when sophomore Justin Schreiner scored his first collegiate goal, assisted by Brophy.
But it was in the second half when the Jumbos put the game away. Tufts scored four goals in a span of only ten minutes. Berg had a goal on an assist from Dale only five minutes into the second half. Dale then scored himself, heading in a pass from Prindiville, moments before junior tri-captain Matt MacGregor scored from Berg. And one minute after that, senior tri-captain Brad Stitchberry hit the net with his first goal of the season.
"I think the intensity is right where we want to be," Coletti said. "We have to keep it up, but it was great to see some strong finishes."
The six goals were by far the most by the Jumbos this season, and the highest goal total since the team netted seven in a win against Lasell last October. The outbreak ended a mini-offensive slump for Tufts, which had only scored two goals in its last two games against NESCAC opponents Amherst and Bates.
"For me, it was just good to see some action, it was good to get back on the field," Coletti said. "To be successful at anything you always have to be ready, so that's my approach."
The win moved Tufts to 5-2 overall as it embarks on the most crucial week of its season. The Jumbos will host Bowdoin, Wesleyan, and Trinity within a span of seven days. The three teams, all NESCAC foes, have a combined record of only 5-5, but the Jumbos are looking to win all three and move out of a tie for fifth in the conference.
"Bowdoin is doing really well right now," Coletti said. "Against them we always expect a physical game. We'll be at home, and hopefully have a lot of support. They are a quality team. I think the key against Bowdoin, and even heading into our other two games next week will be defense. We need to stay strong and keep up communication. Solid play in the back ensures opportunities for our midfielders and forwards. With that, everything starts to fall into place."
The critical week kicks off at 12 pm on Sunday, when Bowdoin comes to Kraft Field.
