Sterngold Header Gives No. 12/15 Garnet 1-0 Victory Over RPI
SWARTHMORE, Pa. - Junior David Sterngold headed home the game-winning goal off a beautiful bending pass from sophomore Kieran Reichert in the 59th minute of play as the No. 12/15 Swarthmore College men's soccer team (4-0) defeated RPI 1-0 on Friday night from Clothier Field Stadium.
Reichert's assist set up Sterngold's game-winner.
A tough, physical game that saw the two NCAA-caliber squads combine to commit 31 fouls came down a finesse play from Reichert to Sterngold. From about 20 yards out on the left wing, Reichert blasted a curving ball over the RPI (2-1) defense and into the front of the goal. RPI goalkeeper Alex Penny made a play for the ball, but before he could snatch it up, Sterngold was in perfect position and headed the ball past the keeper into the back of the net, sending the large crowd of close to 500 fans into a frenzy.
The Garnet had chances to take the lead early in the game, but failed to convert on any of its opportunities. Junior Fabian Castro had two excellent shots at the goal off breakaways in the first half, but he hit the post in the 14th minute and pushed the ball wide right of an open goal in the 41st minute. The game would remain deadlocked 0-0 at the half.
In the early moments of the second half, Swarthmore was at it again - only this time it was an excellent save from RPI goalkeeper Penny on a Reichert close-range shot in the 48th minute that prevented the Garnet from the lead. But that would only last for another 11 minutes, as Sterngold came to the rescue and won the game for the Garnet
Junior David D'Annunzio made a season-high three saves in net for the Garnet, including an acrobatic save from close range in the 51st minute to keep the Engineers from taking the lead. The Swat defense also stood strong against the talented RPI squad, limiting the Engineers to just seven shots while withstanding a last-minute offensive attack.
Swarthmore finished with a slim 4-3 edge in shots on goal, while committing one more foul in the whistle-heavy game (16-15).
With the victory, the Garnet move to 4-0 for the second consecutive season.
The Garnet return to action on Wednesday when it hosts St. Mary's (Md.) from Clothier Field Stadium. Action begins at 7:00 p.m.
Goals: Sterngold '59