TROY, N.Y. — The RPI men's soccer team remained unbeaten in Liberty League play with a 2-0 victory over Bard this evening at ECAV Stadium.
Joshua Jarden scored early before
Sam Neal added an insurance tally in the final seconds, while the Engineers recorded their third consecutive shutout in conference action.
The Engineers wasted little time taking control, opening the scoring just 5:24 into the contest. Jarden finished a play set up by
Andy Palm and
Harrison Brownlow to give RPI a 1-0 advantage. Bard looked for a quick response and put an attempt on goal in the 12th minute, but
Noah Churchill made the save to preserve the lead.
RPI continued to generate opportunities throughout the opening half, with Brownlow and
Sam Shmukler adding attempts as the Engineers carried the one-goal advantage into halftime. RPI held a 4-3 edge in shots over the opening 45 minutes.
Bard applied pressure immediately after the break, but Churchill stopped Frankie Perera-Modica in the 50th minute. The Engineers then began to create chances of their own, as Palm forced Bard goalkeeper Jake Sudit into a save before Jarden and Brownlow each put second-half efforts on target.
RPI finally added to its advantage with just eight seconds remaining. Neal, who had generated another opportunity minutes earlier, found the back of the net to cap the 2-0 victory with his first goal of the season.
Jarden finished with two shots, both on goal, while Brownlow recorded a team-high three attempts and assisted on the opening tally. Neal added two shots and a goal, while Palm recorded a shot on goal and an assist. The Engineers finished with a 10-6 advantage in total shots and a 5-2 edge in shots on goal.
Churchill made two saves while playing all 90 minutes to earn the shutout. RPI has not allowed a goal through its first three Liberty League contests, following a scoreless draw with RIT and consecutive victories over Union and Bard.
