Second Half Surge Propels Vassar Past Men's Soccer

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – The Elms College men's soccer team was unable to overcome a six-goal outburst from host Vassar College in the second half in a 7-0 loss in non-conference action at Gordon Field Sunday afternoon. The Blazers drop to 0-4 on the season, while Vassar improves to 5-0.

The Brewers posted their first tally in the 25th minute. Tanner Sands passed toReid Smith, who scored his first goal of the year from just inside the right corner of the box into the center of the net.

Vassar took a 1-0 edge into the break before heating up in the second half. Mattie Mrlik passed ahead to Jose Novas, who beat his defenders on a fast break before finding the back of an empty net in the 55th minute. The Brewers' third goal came in the 61st minute: Bloch ran down the left side before his shot hit off the post into the top corner from about 30 yards out. Three minutes later, Vassar made it 4-0: Hayden Van Brewer's free kick found Alex Gonzalez, whose header pass allowed Sands to kick it into the left side of the net. The Brewers kept on pushing, and in the 71st minute, Mrlik dribbled down the right side between his defenders before slotting his third goal of the season into the left netting from a difficult angle. 

Freshman Kevin Baliat notched his first goal of the year in the 85th minute, chipping a shot over the keeper's right from about six yards out, thanks to a pass from Matt Fields. Sophomore Desmond Curran also secured his first collegiate goal, scoring in the 89th minute. Kohei Joshi crossed to Curran, who shot from close range into the back of the net to conclude scoring.  

Vassar maintained possession throughout the contest, outshooting Elms 29-9. Goalkeeper Matt Marcelino earned the win with a pair of stops, while Connor Curtin took the loss for Elms with eight saves. Will Marment also spent time in net for the Brewers, manning the cage for the final 30 minutes.

The Blazers will look for their first win when they travel to Johnson & Wales for a 4:00 p.m. kickoff. Vassar caps its four-game homestand on Wednesday versus New Paltz. Kickoff on Gordon Field is set for 4 p.m.

Source: (Vassar Athletics)