WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — William & Mary men's soccer scored twice in the second half and held off Campbell for a 2-1 CAA victory Saturday evening at Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field.
After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, senior Gabe Ruitenberg broke through in the 50th minute before sophomore Alex Garrison doubled the Tribe's advantage in the 61st. Campbell answered less than two minutes later, but W&M saw out the final 28 minutes to secure the conference victory.
The win improved William & Mary to 4-4-1 overall and 2-1-1 in CAA play. The Tribe improved to 3-1 at Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field this season and remained unbeaten at home in conference action at 2-0.
Ruitenberg's goal was his third of the season and moved him into the team lead with 10 points on three goals and four assists. Garrison scored his team-leading fourth goal of the year and his second game winner, moving into a tie for second on the team with nine points.
Freshman Aidan Gatchell recorded his team-leading fifth assist of the season on Garrison's goal, while Aaron Jimenez picked up his first point in the Green and Gold with an assist. Alex Kochell assisted on Ruitenberg's opener for his second helper of the season.
W&M finished with 11 shots, including eight in the second half, while Campbell recorded 12. Both teams put three attempts on goal. Diego Garciarena made two saves in goal for the Tribe.
First Half
The two sides traded opportunities during a scoreless opening half.
Campbell recorded the first shot of the match in the 12th minute before Ruitenberg nearly put W&M in front in the 24th. The senior's attempt struck the crossbar to keep the contest scoreless.
Ruitenberg tested Campbell goalkeeper Caiden Lee again in the 38th minute, putting an attempt on frame that was turned away.
Alexandros Katsari-Hoefer generated the final opportunity of the half for the Tribe in the 44th minute, sending his attempt wide.
W&M held a 3-2 advantage in corner kicks during the opening 45 minutes, while Campbell finished the half with a 5-3 edge in shots.
Second Half
The Tribe wasted little time taking control after the break.
Kochell set up Ruitenberg at the 49:21 mark, and the senior found the back of the net for his third goal of the season to give W&M a 1-0 advantage. The assist was Kochell's second of the year.
Garciarena made his first save of the evening in the 54th minute, turning away Aydin Pondeca to preserve the lead.
W&M doubled its advantage at the 60:15 mark. Gatchell and Jimenez combined to set up Garrison, who scored his team-leading fourth goal of the season to push the Tribe advantage to 2-0. The helper was Gatchell's team-leading fifth of the year and Jimenez's first point of the season.
Campbell responded quickly, cutting the lead in half at 61:59 when Xander Martin scored off assists from Xander Naguib and Andrey Mora Bravo.
The Tribe continued to generate opportunities after the Camels pulled within one. Beckham Harris, Kochell, Garrison and Ruitenberg each recorded attempts over the ensuing nine minutes.
Campbell made a late push for the equalizer, but Garciarena stopped Davis Reid's attempt in the 88th minute before Daniel Giovannetti sent the Camels' final shot high with two seconds remaining. W&M closed out the final moments to secure its second CAA victory of the season.
Up Next
William & Mary travels to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Sept. 29, for a nonconference matchup at American. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m., with the match streamed live on ESPN+.
The Tribe returns to CAA action Saturday, Oct. 3, hosting Elon at Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. for W&M's Hispanic Heritage Match.
