WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senior Gabe Ruitenberg scored in the 35th minute and William & Mary men's soccer turned in a clean sheet defensively to earn a 1-0 road victory over American on Tuesday afternoon at Reeves Field.
Ruitenberg provided the difference at the 34:08 mark, finishing off an assist from freshman Ethan Roemisch to give the Tribe a lead it would not relinquish. The goal was Ruitenberg's fourth of the season, moving him into a tie for the team lead with sophomore Alex Garrison. Roemisch picked up his first career assist and point on the play.
The victory improved William & Mary to 5-4-1 overall and marked the Tribe's third win in its last four matches. W&M also picked up its second road victory of the season.
Ruitenberg put all three of his shots on goal and extended his point streak to four consecutive matches. He has recorded three goals and an assist during the stretch, while also scoring in back-to-back contests.
American held an 11-7 advantage in shots and a 5-1 edge in corner kicks, but the Tribe defense held the Eagles scoreless. American put four attempts on frame, with Diego Garciarena stopping all four to record his second shutout of the season.
First Half
Ruitenberg generated the Tribe's first opportunity of the afternoon in the 10th minute, putting an attempt on frame that American goalkeeper Evan Tubbs turned away.
The Eagles answered with a pair of opportunities on goal. Garciarena stopped Oliver Snowdon in the 18th minute before denying Chris Sullivan less than two minutes later.
W&M continued to create chances as Garrison recorded a pair of attempts in the 14th and 15th minutes before Kai Feng added a shot in the 22nd.
The Tribe broke through at the 34:08 mark. Roemisch, who entered the match six minutes earlier, set up Ruitenberg for the senior's fourth goal of the season and a 1-0 W&M advantage. It marked the first career assist for Roemisch.
Ruitenberg nearly added another in the 42nd minute, but Tubbs made the save. Garciarena answered at the other end just over a minute later, stopping Henrick Boahen to send the Tribe into halftime with the lead.
Second Half
American pushed for the equalizer after halftime, but the Tribe defense limited the Eagles to three shots over the final 45 minutes.
Reyes Parra sent an attempt wide in the 53rd minute before Yuta Phoenix missed high in the 61st.
The Eagles produced their lone shot on goal of the second half in the 71st minute, when Moad Ezzahir put an attempt toward the bottom right corner. Garciarena was there for his fourth save of the afternoon to preserve W&M's one-goal advantage.
American earned three corner kicks over the final 20 minutes, including opportunities in the 85th and 90th minutes, but the Tribe defense turned away each chance to close out the 1-0 road victory.Â
Up Next
William & Mary returns to Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field on Saturday, Oct. 3, hosting Elon in CAA action. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. as the Tribe celebrates its Hispanic Heritage Match.
