POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y.—The Skidmore College men's soccer team recorded its fifth-straight shutout victory with a 1-0 Liberty League win against Vassar on Saturday afternoon, handing the Brewers their first conference loss of the season.
The Thoroughbreds, who extended their shutout streak to 473 minutes, jump to 8-2 overall and 4-0 in league play, while the Brewers go to 6-3-2 and 2-1 in the Liberty League.
With the win the Skidmore now sits six points clear at the top of the Liberty League standings.Neither team generated much offense early, until the Thoroughbreds put away the game-winner on their second shot of the first half.
Augustine Okoye found a soft spot in the Brewer defense outside the 18-yard box, and fired an attempt from distance on goal. Vassar goalkeeper Sebastien Lasseur got a hand to it but the ball carried into the back right corner.
Jose Novas came close to equalizing for Vassar in the 35th minute, but his attempt for the right side sailed wide left, leaving the score at 1-0 at the break.
The Brewers looked like the more dangerous team in the second half, producing seven attempts on goal and six corner kicks, but the Thoroughbreds defense continued to frustrate Vassar attack.
Tanner Sands had a chance to bring the home side level, but Skidmore goalkeeper
Eli Kisselbach was in perfect position to deny Sands' close-range headed attempt for his lone save of the game.
Vassar continued to pressure to the very end, and even had a man-up opportunity in the closing minutes on a Skidmore red card. The Thoroughbreds limited any quality opportunities, and held off the Brewers to win their fifth straight.
Vassar outshot Skidmore 11-9 and had a 8-4 advantage in corners. Lasseur stopped two shots over the first 32:34, while Adam Warner made one save in 57:26 of relief.
Skidmore goes back on the road Tuesday, Oct. 13 to take on Utica.
