LEWISTON, Maine --
Sebastian Iacovitti's soaring header of a
Tife Agunloye cross snapped a scoreless tie with just 55 ticks remaining Tuesday night as Bates College men's soccer upended #15 Bowdoin, 1-0, to remain unbeaten in NESCAC play.
Playing their first game on the brand-new artificial surface of Russell Street Track & Field, the signature triumph puts the Bobcats at 2-0-1 in conference action (5-1-1 overall) while the Polar Bears suffer their first loss of the year (4-1-1, 1-1-1 NESCAC).
Bowdoin's defense stimied Bates most of the evening, allowing just six shots (one in the first half) to the garnet and white. The Polar Bears posted a 14-6 advantage in the shot column with nothing to show for it.
Taking full advantage of its lone shot on goal, Agunloye sprinted to save a
Wilson Smith throw-in from crossing the end line in the right corner. The senior caught up to the ball and lofted a desperation pass to the middle of the Bowdoin box before crashing out of bounds. Iacovitti soared to noggin-knock home the perfect lob, which just avoided the valiant leap of goalkeeper, Alex Ainsworth, and nestled into the net.
George Nassar continues to impress as the first-year netminder gathered a pair of saves to secure his fifth victory (all shutouts) in six collegiate starts for Bates.
The Bobcats now prepare to host #25 Amherst this Saturday at 2:00 p.m., again on the Russell Street pitch.
Gallery: (9-24-2024) MSOC vs. Bowdoin (Matthew Hamilton)
