By Gage Nutter
Assistant Sports Editor
Judging by the first half, It looked like it was going to be a tight one until the end. However, Springfield College’s men’s soccer team came into the second half rejuvenated, and were able to pick up their fifth win in a row on Tuesday against Framingham State by a score of 4-1. The win improves the Pride’s record to 10-0-1.
The game started off slow not only for Springfield, but for Framingham as well. Neither team was able to get much going offensively. Sophomore Brad Deckel broke the stalemate for Springfield with a beautifully placed shot in front of the net to put the Pride up front with 34:33 to go in the first half.
Four minutes later Framingham fired back to tie the match at 1-1.
With the first half winding down, junior Cam Powell cashed in on another opportunity right in front of the net to give Springfield the lead going into halftime. The goal marked Powell’s eighth of his career.
Springfield is known for their offensive firepower, outscoring opponents 42-6 coming into the game. A 2-1 lead at halftime is a rarity for the team, but in the second half, the men returned to form.
With 38:16 to go, freshman Dexter Tenn corralled a deflection from Framingham’s goalie and put it in the back of the net to put the pride up 3-1.
Senior All-American Luke Alvaro, who had been quiet in the first half, made his presence known in the second half. With 30:26 to go in the game, he gathered the ball a little past midfield and sprinted past the Framingham defense. After beating two defenders, Alvaro placed the ball just inside the right post to put the Pride up 4-1.
Coach Steffen Seibert’s game plan for the game was simple but effective.
“Coming into this game the plan was to press hard, be organized, and to do our thing,” said Seibert. “Then see what happens at the end.”
The Pride played noticeably more physical on defense than usual. Seibert thinks that is a good thing, to an extent.
“We want to play hard, but within the rules,” said Seibert. “If we can get the guys ready to compete, whether it be physically or emotionally, we can be up there with the best. I thought we brought it today”
Junior defender Curtis Bolduc had a good game, ending the night with an assist to go along with his relentless defense. He knew what he and his teammates had to do to succeed.
“I was really pumped coming into today,” said Bolduc. “I knew that we had to come out pressing hard, constantly communicate with one another, and keep the energy high both on the field and on the sideline.”
The Pride now look to improve their win streak to six against WPI on Saturday. WPI is currently 7-1-2, and Seibert is ready for the challenge.
“They have been ranked in the region since the beginning of the year,” said Seibert. “It is going to be another big battle. We will be ready, and I am sure they will be too.”