Philadelphia, Pa. - The
William and Mary Tribe men's soccer team posted its third-straight shutout
victory on Saturday afternoon, defeating the Drexel Dragons, 2-0. With the win, the College improves its record
to 5-3 overall and to 2-0 in CAA conference play. With the loss, the Dragons fall to 0-6-1 on
the year and to 0-1 in league action.
Senior Nicolas Abrigo led the way for the Tribe offensively,
scoring a goal and dishing out an assist.
Freshman Michael Teiman scored the game-winning goal in the first half,
while senior goalkeeper Colin Smolinsky made five saves, recording his fourth
shutout of the season.
The College was able to get on the board early on Saturday
afternoon, scoring in the ninth minute of the match. After a Drexel foul, the Tribe had a free
kick awarded from about 25 yards out from the right side. Abrigo took the kick, sending a great pass
towards the face of goal. The pass found
the head of the rookie Teiman, who finished well with his head, beating the
Dragons' keeper. Teiman's first collegiate
goal gave the Green and Gold an early, 1-0 lead.
After the first 45 minutes, the Tribe held to its 1-0 lead
over Drexel. In the first half, the Dragons
out shot the College, 10-4, but William and Mary was able to get all four of
its shots on goal while Drexel also had four of its looks go on frame. Smolinsky had a very strong
first half, keeping the Dragons off the board while making four saves.
After the halftime break, Drexel came out of the locker room
desperately looking for the equalizing goal.
The Dragons took three quick shots, but were unable to get any of those
chances on goal.
After successfully withstanding the early Drexel barrage, the
Tribe doubled its lead in the 57th minute.
On the attack, Abrigo cracked a shot on goal that the Dragons' keeper
was unable to control. Abrigo quickly jumped
on the rebound, beating the DU goalie for his team-leading fifth goal of the
season. With just over 30 minutes left
in regulation, the College led Drexel, 2-0.
The rest of the match proved to be a back and forth affair,
with neither team getting a great look on goal.
Thanks to an efficient offensive attack and a stout defense, the Tribe
came away with a 2-0 victory.
For the match, the Dragons out shot the College, 19-11, but
the Tribe was able to get seven of its shots on goal to five for Drexel. Corner kicks were 8-3 in favor of the Dragons.
With the win over Drexel, the Tribe has posted
three-consecutive shutout victories for the first time since the 2002
season. The 2-0 start in CAA conference
action marks the first time the Tribe has accomplished that feat since 2007.
The William and Mary Tribe men's soccer team will return to
action on Saturday, October 1 when the College will head to Maryland to play
the Towson Tigers. Kickoff is scheduled
for 1 p.m.
