Bates College

Nate Merchant (Los Angeles, Calif.) scored his second goal of the year on Tuesday, Sept. 20th and he couldn't have picked a better time, tying the Bobcats' match with defending NESCAC champion Bowdoin at one in the 86th minute of action.

The goal happened thanks to a combination of great Bates defense and quick ball movement. Bates denied yet another Bowdoin corner opportunity, setting up a goal kick. Sophomore Robbie Montanaro fed first-year Antonio Heredia Soto who kicked the ball far down the field towards senior forward Peabo Knoth. Knoth fought for the ball and a Bowdoin defender deflected it away from him right to Merchant, who tallied his second goal of the season, tying him with first-year Eric Opoku for the team lead.

Bates earned a draw against the Polar Bears for the second straight year. It marked the start of a 1-1-1 week for Bates as the Bobcats defeated Wesleyan 2-0 on Saturday but fell to Williams 2-0 on Sunday.