Staff Writer
The Springfield College menโs soccer team will put its perfect 4-0-0 conference record to the test Saturday at the Irv Schmid Sports Complex at 1 p.m. when the Pride host NEWMAC-rival Babson (9-2-2, 3-0).
The Pride (8-3-1, 4-0) defeated Mitchell College 4-0 last night. The team was undefeated in nine tries to start the season, before losing to Framingham State on the road, 1-0 on Oct. 4.
With standout forward Eric Anderson (8 goals 3 assists), Babson will certainly be a tough opponent for Springfield. The Beavers are coming off a 2-2 tie in double overtime against Bowdoin and have allowed just 10 goals this season, compared to nine surrendered by SC.
Springfield captain David Chessen realizes Babson will be a strong test for SC.
โBabson overall is just a really good team,โ Chessen said. โThey have really good individual players and just work really well together.โ
Although Babson will be a very difficult opponent, Springfield has shown this season they have the ability to play with the best of the NEWMAC.
Kevin Nowak and Zach Dutter have had a nose for the back of the net with a team-leading four goals each, while Drew Vanasse and Danny Amato have a team-leading three assists. Brett Bascom has been a stalwart in-between the pipes with 37 saves in nine games, while allowing just five goals.
Chessen identified some key things that the team needs to do in order to be victorious.
โWhat weโre going to have to do is play hard, be organized and play our game,โ Chessen said.
Victor Barbosa may be reached at vbarbosa@springfieldcollege.edu
Tale of the Tape
Springfield College
Record: 8-1-3 (4-0-0 NEWMAC)
Top Scorers: Kevin Nowak, Freshmanย 4 goals, 1 assist, 9 points;ย Zach Dutter, Freshman
4 goals, 1 assist, 9 points
Goalie: Brett Bascom, Freshmanย (5-1-3): .886 save percentage,ย 0.51 goals allowed per game
Head Coach: Peter Haley, 27th season
Next Game: Oct. 19 vs. Brandeis
Babson College
Record: 9-2-2 (3-0-0 NEWMAC)
Top Scorers: Eric Anderson, Juniorย 8 goals, 3 assists, 19 points;ย Max Walker, Sophomoreย 3 goals, 5 assists, 11 points
Goalie: Peter Crowley, Seniorย (9-2-2): .857 save percentage,ย 0.74 goals allowed per game
Head Coach: Jon Anderson, 25th season
Next Game: Oct. 16 at Eastern Connecticut
–Compiled by Sports Editor Terrence Payne