Release courtesy of Swarthmore Athletic Communications
SWARTHMORE, Pa.—"Unforgettable."
That was the only word senior captain Joey Bradley needed to sum up the magical postseason run for Swarthmore College Men's Soccer. That fantastic run came to an end on Saturday afternoon at home in front of a raucous crowd on Clothier Field. The Garnet gave No. 18 Connecticut College everything they had and forced overtime before falling by a final score of 1-0. Swarthmore wrapped up the 2019 campaign with an 11-4-5 record and an appearance at home in the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
Swarthmore surrendered the golden goal in the 98th minute when a cross into the goal box was redirected by a sliding Connecticut forward who just nicked the ball, plunking it off the right post where it spun into the back of the net.
The Garnet finished with eight shots, each attempt drawing a collective gasp from the rowdy crowd at Clothier. Swarthmore fended off six Connecticut attempts in the first half and three more in the second. Freshman goalkeeper recorded two saves in 98 minutes in net.
After a scoreless first half, Swarthmore had a good chance in the 60th minute, but freshman forward Bless Tumushabe's shot missed just high. With 17 minutes to go, the Conn. College Camels had a dangerous opportunity on a header right in front of goal that glanced harmlessly off the crossbar and out. In the 74th minute, the Camels generated more chances by earning four corner kicks in a row, but Swarthmore fought them off at each turn.
Connecticut whiffed on a diving header with eight minutes to go that appeared would be a certain goal if executed. The Garnet had great opportunities of their own in the final five minutes but Joe Barile and Woojin Shin each had their shots saved.
The Garnet, who had not lost a game in overtime all season and were fresh off of advancing in PKs in the previous two NCAA Tournament games, braced for extra time yet again. Sophomore defender Harry Nevins came up big by blocking two Camels' shots in the box. Barile got another chance on frame in the 96th minute but was denied.
The Camels netted the game-winner just minutes later, squeaking it in off the right post. Connecticut College advances to the NCAA Quarterfinals to face Tufts University at 3 p.m. on Clothier Field.
Swarthmore's journey came to an unfortunate end, but the team can hold their heads up high after knocking off two nationally-ranked opponents in the tournament, hosting the NCAA Sectionals at home and finishing with an 11-4-5 record.