Mules Chip Through Rain, Down Garnet
SWARTHMORE, Pa. -- The Muhlenberg Mules ended a rain-soaked Centennial soccer match in the 104th minute as midfielder Jonathan Kliewer (Ephrata, Pa. / Ephrata) scored to send the visiting Mules to a 1-0 victory at Swarthmore Wednesday night.
Swarthmore dips to 10-3-3 overall and 4-3-1 in the Centennial while Muhlenberg clinches a playoff berth, improving to 11-3 overall and 6-2 in the Conference.
Prior to the game, Swarthmore honored its eight seniors: goalkeeper Ryan Sutcliffe (Medford, Del. / Medford), defender Darren Johnson (Lexington, Va. / Rockbridge County), defender and captain Brendan Grady (San Jose, Calif. / Bellarmine), midfielder and captain Pat Christmas (Chapel Hill, N.C. / Chapel Hill East), midfielder Andrew Macurdy (Lumberton, N.J. / Rancocas Valley), midfielder J.P. Faunes (Austin, Tex. / LBJ), forward Michael Bonesteel (Clifton Park, N.Y. / LaSalle Institute) and team manager Andrew Quinton (Moody, Maine / Wells).
The game began in a driving rain, with limited action occurring in the first 45 minutes (the Mules held a 4-3 shot advantage).
Swarthmore developed a few scoring chances in the second half and in the overtime periods, but were unable to break through on Mules senior goalkeeper Peter Bennett (Leola, Pa. / Conestoga Valley) who made two stops on the night.
Sutcliffe also made two stops on the evening. The shot-tally was even at 10 a side, with the Garnet attempting seven corners to the Mules’ five.
Swarthmore sits in a tie with Dickinson for the fifth and final playoff spot, needing some help to secure a fourth-consecutive Centennial berth. Dickinson will host #12 Franklin & Marshall this Saturday and the Garnet complete the 2007 regular season on Saturday afternoon, traveling to long-time rival Haverford, for a 1:00 p.m. match.