LEWISTON, Maine– The No. 13 nationally ranked Bates men's soccer team dropped a hard-fought 1-0 decision to No. 4 Williams on Saturday afternoon at Russell Street Field. With the result, the Bobcats move to 6-2-1 (2-2-1 NESCAC), while the Ephs remain unbeaten at 6-0-3 (5-0-2 NESCAC).

After an evenly played opening half, Williams found the breakthrough midway through the second. In the 71st minute, junior Andrew Coelho sent a high pass into the box that bounced awkwardly over the goalkeeper's reach. First-year JJ Ruehlemann was quick to react, slotting home the eventual game-winner.

The Ephs nearly struck earlier in the half when they earned a penalty kick, but Bates sophomore goalkeeper George Nassar came up with a clutch save on Williams sophomore Lorcan Mitchell's attempt. Mitchell pounced on the rebound for a second chance, but Nassar denied him again with another outstanding stop to keep the match level.

Bates held a narrow 15-14 edge in total shots, though Williams led 7-2 in shots on goal. Nassar finished the day with six saves for the Bobcats.

The Bobcats will look to bounce back quickly, returning to Russell Street Field on Sunday at 3 p.m. to host Hamilton and close out Back to Bates weekend.