Box Score
TROY, N.Y. – Sophomore goalkeeper Craig Bennett picked up his third shutout of the season as the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's soccer team played to a 0-0 tie in two overtimes against Babson College on Saturday in the home opener at Renwyck Field. With the draw, the Engineers are now 2-0-1 overall, while the Beavers move to 2-2-1.
It was a physical game right from the opening whistle as the squads played a very quick first half with just seven shots attempted. The pace picked up in the late stages of the game as Babson had two of the best chances to score in regulation.
Senior Jimmy Stento (Needham, MA/Needham) saw the first opportunity in the 78th minute as he brought it into the zone and sent a cross in from the right flank. The ball took a dangerous turn toward the goal, just nicking the crossbar before going out of play.
In the 90th minute, senior Salomon Guindi (Mexico City, Mexico/The American School) nearly won it for the Beavers as he carried the ball down the right side and found himself with a nearly wide open shot. Bennett (Oakdale, NY/Connetquot) came out of goal to defend, but Guindi still got a shot off, which ricocheted off the post and out.
The Engineers came alive in the second overtime session, creating several chances of their own as senior Matt Koliopoulos (Franklin, MA/Franklin) corralled a pass from outside the box and made his way toward goal on the left side just outside the half circle.
He reared back and sent the ball toward the opposite corner, but Babson goalie Peter Crowley (Lexington, MA/Brooks School) made a well-timed jump to save the ball off his hands and out to preserve the draw in the 107th minute.
Classmate Andrew Tambasco (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) had another solid opportunity less than two minutes later, but his shot from the top of the box careened just over the top of the crossbar.
By the numbers, Babson held a 19-8 edge in shots and also led 4-1 in corner kicks. Bennett was forced to make just one save in the contest, while his counterpart, Crowley stopped two shots.
The Engineers return to action on Tuesday as they host SUNY Oneonta in a 7pm contest at East Campus Stadium. The Beavers are back in action next Saturday when they head to Coast Guard for a 12pm start.
