WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – The William and Mary men's soccer scored a pair of first half goals on its way to a 3-1 Colonial Athletic Association victory against Drexel on Saturday night at Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field. Seniors Michael Teiman and Josh West, along with junior Jackson Eskay netted goals for the Green and Gold in the victory. With the result, the Tribe improves to 4-7-0, 1-1-0 in CAA play, while the Dragons fall to 4-5-2, 0-1-0 in league action.
Drexel had a pair of chances a minute apart in the early stage of the game. In the 10th minute John Grosh received a cross and launched a shot that was blocked by freshman William Eskay. Just moments later, Aaron Thompson had a chance on a one-versus-one against the keeper but kicked his shot wide.
W&M broke the scoreless tie with a 15th minute goal. Off of a corner kick sent in from senior Chris Albiston, William Eskay was able to head the ball towards the goal. Charging towards the box was Teiman, who headed the ball home into the right corner of the goal. Teimnan's second goal of the season gave the Tribe a 1-0 lead.
The Tribe had a couple of opportunities to extend its lead before halftime. Both sophomore Jeff Bombelles and William Eskay had shots blocked, saving goals. In the 29th minute, Jackson Eskay uncorked a shot that was saved by Drexel keeper Tyler Afflerbach.
Drexel had a golden chance to find the equalizer in the 37th minute. Michele Pataia had an open look from 25 yards out and rocketed his shot towards the target. However, senior goalkeeper Bennett Jones made a leaping save, preserving the Tribe's 1-0 advantage.
W&M doubled its lead just two minutes before the half. Junior Ryan Flesch darted a pass to West, who was on the run. West took the ball to the middle of the box and unleashed a shot into the middle left of the goal. The senior's first tally of season pushed the Green and Gold's margin to 2-0.
The Tribe had a pair of chances to add the third goal of the night in the early part of the second half. Flesch had a one-versus-one against the keeper from the left side of the box that sailed high on him. Then in the 58th minute, William Eskay found Flesch again, but his header was saved by a Dragon defender, earning the team save.
W&M added another goal in the 77th minute. Albiston sent a long pass down the sideline that Afflerbach came out to play outside of the box. However, Jackson Eskay was able to corral it from Afflerbach. The junior rushed just outside of the box and curved his shot into the upper right corner of the empty net. His first goal of the season gave the Tribe a 3-0 lead.
Drexel was able to get on the scoreboard and ruin the shutout with a goal in the 88th minute. Connor Goldsmith sent a corner kick that was launched to the goalmouth. On the line, Jameson Detweiler was able to head the ball into the lower right corner of the net. His second goal of the season cut the Tribe lead to 3-1.
Despite the late goal, W&M held Drexel to just four second half shots, and outshot the Dragons 15-12 for the match. Jones made three saves in the victory for the Tribe. Offensively, Albiston fired a team-high four shots.
W&M concludes its two-match CAA home stand when they welcome league newcomer Elon to Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field on Wednesday, Oct. 8. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
