Swarthmore Grounds Seahawks
SWARTHMORE, Pa. - Swarthmore sophomore forward Evan Nesterak (pictured) put home his second game-winner in five days, as the Garnet (4-1) defeated St. Mary's (Md) 1-0 in non-conference soccer action at Clothier Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Both teams played an even first half, with the teams each getting off six shots.
The lone tally of the day came when Swarthmore junior captain Pat Christmas sent a long ball down the left side, run down by sophomore midfielder Christopher Szeto. Szeto took one touch and crossed the ball to the top of the box where Nesterak let rip a shot into the lower left corner at 70:52, giving the Garnet a 1-0 lead. It is Nesterak's second goal in as many games, and third of the season.
Garnet starting goalkeeper Ryan Sutcliffe '08 made three saves in the first 45:00 minutes while backup Zach Weimar '10 collected three saves of his own in the second half. Seahawks netminder Tim Carrier, a late-minute replacement for usual starter Rick Besore, totaled four saves for St. Mary's (1-3).
The win over the Seahawks was especially gratifying for current Garnet head coach Eric Wagner, who was at the helm of St. Mary's for five seasons (Wagner still holds the program mark with 49 victories).
Swarthmore will open Centennial action this Saturday, Sept. 16, traveling to Dickinson College for a 12:00 p.m. game.