POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — The RPI men's soccer team generated a strong second-half push but could not overcome a pair of first-half goals in a 2-0 Liberty League setback at Vassar this afternoon at Gordon Field.
Vassar opened the scoring in the 24th minute when Mauricio Mejia finished a rebound off an initial attempt from Isaac Taegar. The Brewers doubled their advantage just 85 seconds later, as Jackson Allen converted a setup from Alejandro Martinez and Joshua Lee to make it 2-0.
Noah Churchill helped keep the Engineers within striking distance throughout the opening half, making four saves.
Harrison Brownlow produced RPI's best early opportunity when he forced Vassar goalkeeper Jacob Raphan into a save in the 20th minute.
RPI reversed the momentum after halftime, outshooting Vassar 10-5 over the final 45 minutes.
Andy Palm and
Justin Woodbine each put attempts on goal during a sustained stretch of pressure midway through the period, while Woodbine finished with four second-half shots as the Engineers searched for a way back into the contest.
The Engineers continued to press into the closing minutes.
Matt Schlotterbeck put an attempt on target in the 89th minute and followed with another shot moments later, but Raphan and the Vassar defense preserved the shutout.
Woodbine led RPI with four shots, while Schlotterbeck and Palm recorded two apiece. Brownlow, Schlotterbeck, Palm and Woodbine each put one attempt on goal. RPI finished with 12 total shots, including 10 in the second half, while Vassar recorded 16. Churchill finished with six saves.
