Yesterday, the men's soccer team edged out Gordon College 1-0 in a non-conference away game. The Jumbos improved their record to 10-3 (still 5-3 in the NESCAC) and are preparing for perhaps the biggest game of their season - Saturday's match against Connecticut College.
The team was not too concerned going into the game. "I think that being a non-league game in the middle of the week, we were just looking to get through the game," senior tri-captain Mike Prindiville said. "We're really looking towards the weekend and they were really vying to win, while we were just looking to get through it."
The team scored its lone goal of the game early in the second after senior tri-captain Brad Stichberry got taken down in the box, causing a penalty kick. Junior striker Garret Dale scored off the penalty for his seventh goal and 21st point on the season.
"I don't think we played poorly, but it was a really physical game," Prindiville said. "They were one of those teams - the kind that has athletic kids that are really physical... They get psyched to play a NESCAC team with a good record. Coming from a non-competitive division, they have everything to play for, whereas we go to their small school up in the woods and don't really feel like playing them."
The squad closes out its regular season against Conn. College during Saturday's Homecoming festivities. The next day, the currently fourth-ranked Jumbos will jump right into the first round of the NESCAC tournament at Middlebury College.
Though Tufts has solidified a spot in the tournament, the results of Saturday's games will determine its final standings - and its Sunday opponent.
"We're really focusing on getting healthy for the weekend," Prindiville said. "A lot of guys are carrying injuries and a few more picked up some today. I think that it's going to come down to the team that can field the healthiest team on Sunday will probably come through with the win."
The team heads into the weekend after making its first appearance in the national poll this season. Last week, it was ranked 23rd in the nation and third in New England.
