Bates junior Peabo Knoth's long goal gave Bates a 2-0 lead at Hamilton, and was the 13th of the All-NESCAC forward's career. (File photo by Mike Bradley/Bates College)
CLINTON, N.Y. -- For the second time in as many games, the Bates College men's soccer team received goals from junior Peabo Knoth and senior Luis Pereira in a 2-0 victory.
This time, the win came in the Bobcats' NESCAC opener, and it was their first victory against Hamilton College in five tries against the host Continentals.
A closely contested game that saw only 11 shot attempts combined from both teams (Hamilton outshot Bates 8-3) ended with Bates sporting a 2-0-0 record for the first time since 2000.
The Continentals, who outshot the Bobcats 8-3, fell to 0-2-0 overall on the season.
The Bobcats scored a goal in each half. Bates got on the board less than three minutes into regulation, when Pereira (Curitiba, Brazil) converted a pass from sophomore Nate Merchant (Los Angeles, Calif.) for the early lead. The goal was the ninth of Pereira's career.
Bates' offensive pressure with 14 minutes left in regulation led to a second goal. Knoth took advantage of a Hamilton clear attempt and sent a long shot into the Continental net for Bates' insurance goal, and the 13th tally of Knoth's career.
Senior goalie Sam Polito (Far Hills, N.J.) made three saves in Bates' second shutout in as many games.
Bates plays its home opener on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 8pm against the University of New England.
