Box Score

TROY, N.Y. – A pair of header goals led the Vassar men's soccer team to a 2-1 comeback victory over Rensselaer, at Renwyck Field, in the Liberty League opener for both schools. With the win, the Brewers improve to 6-2-1 overall and 1-0-0 in the Liberty League. The Engineers drop to 4-2-1 and 0-1-0 in conference play.

Vassar sophomore Juliano Periera (Albany, CA/Albany) redirected a headed ball from senior Sam Erlichson McCarthy (West Simsbury, CT/Loomis Chaffee) past RPI sophomore goaltender Craig Bennett (Oakdale, NY/Connetquot) in the 83rd minute for the eventual game-winning goal as the Brewers we able to thwart two late Engineers' chances and hold on for the win.

RPI carried play for the early stages of the match with its first chance coming five minutes in. Junior Adam Updegrove (Carson City, NV/Carson) slipped a ball in behind the Vassar defense that sophomore Alex Dotseth (Colorado Springs, CO/Air Academy) ran onto and ripped right into the waiting arms of Brewers sophomore goalie Ryan Grimme (Gahanna, OH/Gahanna Lincoln).

The Engineers were then the first to find the scoresheet as senior captain Brad Shelofsky (Rochester, NY/Greece Athena) slotted home a penalty kick into the lower left corner of the net in the 35th minute. Classmate Matt Koliopoulos (Franklin, MA/Franklin) drew the foul just inside the Vassar penalty area.

Freshman striker Tom Wiechert (Capistrano Beach, CA/San Clemente) evened the score at 1-1 in the 39th minute, just 10 minutes after entering as a substitute. He headed home a crossing header by centerback Zander Mrlik (San Francisco, CA/Saint Ignatius College) off of a Vassar free-kick from the left side of the 18 was swung into the box.

Grimme was sent off with a straight red card in the 42nd minute, and the Brewers were left with 10 men for the final 48 minutes of play.

Despite outshooting the visiting Brewers 13-9, including 5-3 in the second half, the Engineers were unable to come up with a second tally.

Vassar junior goalkeeper Gary Clauss (Colchester, CT/Bacon Academy) earned the win in relief without making a save. Bennett finished with four stops for the Engineers.

Rensselaer returns to the pitch on Friday, when it hosts RIT for a Liberty League contest at Renwyck Field (4pm). The Brewers host Clarkson on Friday (4pm).