After losing a heartbreaker to NESCAC rival Colby on Homecoming weekend, the men's soccer team was in need of a strong performance in Tuesday's non-conference matchup with UMass-Dartmouth to bring some positive energy back to the team. Though the game had no bearing on their postseason chances, the Jumbos played some of their most cohesive soccer of the year, improving to 2-6-2 (0-4-1) with a 1-0 victory in overtime.
"This was a big game for us because we needed to get some momentum back after that tough loss to Colby," junior midfielder Chris Flaherty said. "And the way this season has gone for us, any wins are big at this point."
With 1:25 remaining in the first overtime period, freshman forward Franco Silva delivered the golden goal — his first career collegiate tally — which came after an impressive display of footwork by the first-year striker. Silva collected a pass from junior tri-captain midfielder Naji Muakkassa near midfield, weaved through the UMass-Dartmouth defense and created an open lane at the Corsairs' net. Silva fired, beating rookie goalkeeper Mike Phelan and lifting the Jumbos to their second win of the season.
Throughout the first half of the contest, the Jumbos' defense was thoroughly tested by a potent Corsairs attack. UMass-Dartmouth came in riding a two-game winning streak, and they were determined to pressure Tufts from the get-go. With sophomore Alan Bernstein making his collegiate debut in goal for the Jumbos, the Corsairs' dynamic offense seemed likely to prove troublesome. But Bernstein and his defenders were up to the task.
The second-year goalkeeper faced a dozen shots in the first 45 minutes of action but never lost his poise, deflecting the six that were on goal. Bernstein directed the defense well and looked comfortable in the net — a promising sign for the Jumbos' future.
"Alan really played with confidence; he played as well as we could've expected him to," Flaherty said.
However, Bernstein's inexperience would show later in the match, when Corsairs' sophomore midfielder Robbie Muller escaped on a breakaway in the 70th minute. Bernstein came out of the 18-yard goaltender's box and broke up the play by picking up the ball with his hands, a decision that resulted in an automatic red card. He yielded to senior and usual starter Pat Tonelli with 20:14 remaining in regulation, having notched seven saves without allowing a goal.
"It was sort of unlucky for Alan to get that red card, as the ref really made a rash decision given the situation in the game," Muakkassa said. "On the whole, though, we weren't playing very well defensively and they had a few good looks at goal, and Alan made a few great saves to keep them off the board.
"It's also really good knowing that he can play well there down the road," he continued. "We'll have someone just as solid playing in goal next year."
Bernstein's exit seemed to reenergize the Jumbos, as being down a man provided the team with a sense of urgency that would eventually propel them to victory.
"We relaxed more, had more composure, played more compact after [the red card]," Flaherty said.
"For some reason, the game completely changed after that in our favor when we went man-down for the first time this year," Muakkassa added. "We were more motivated; we controlled the game much better. It's pretty funny the way that worked out. The game really turned around for the better."
Tonelli picked up right where Bernstein left off in goal, preserving the shutout. He made one save in regulation and another in extra time before the Jumbos netted their game winner.
Both of Tufts' victories this year have come at home in evening matches against non-conference foes, and both have also required overtime to be decided. The Jumbos' only previous win was a 2-1 decision over Suffolk back on Sept. 29.
This victory in particular should give Tufts newfound confidence, as they earned it in spite of considerable adversity. Dealing with conditions at Bello Field that were cold and windy, a keeper making his first collegiate start and a man-down disadvantage for more than a quarter of the match, the Jumbos actually performed better when the cards were stacked against them.
"This win really gets us some momentum back, and we need to carry that into the weekend and finally pick up a win against a NESCAC opponent," Flaherty said.
The Jumbos' next chance to get in the win column in conference play will come on Saturday when they return to Bello Field for a 2:30 kickoff against Trinity. Tufts is unbeaten so far on the Bello Field turf, but the Bantams may be their toughest test yet.
Trinity has gradually ascended the conference standings over the past several years and has firmly established itself as a powerhouse this fall, sitting in second place at 8-1-1 (4-1-1 NESCAC). The Bantams, whose only loss of the year came against conference leader Wesleyan, will take the pitch against the Jumbos riding a three-game winning streak during which they have outscored their opponents 10-2.
The match with Trinity will be Tufts' second-to-last home game of the season, with the finale taking place on Tuesday versus Conn. College. Given that the Jumbos are winless on the road this year, they must win one of these two games to stay in contention for a NESCAC playoff spot, and they could certainly use a positive result in both.
"Hopefully we can use this win against UMass-Dartmouth to get on a little roll," Muakkassa said. "Trinity just beat Williams so they're coming in hot, but we should have a big crowd at home, and we definitely have a chance of pulling it off."
