NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich Cadets
(6-5-2, 3-2 GNAC) overcame a physical battle against Mount Ida
College on Saturday to defeat the Mustangs 4-1 on Howard Field,
enjoying the conference win amongst the atmosphere of alumni and
friends on Homecoming Weekend.
The Cadets held a 3-0 advantage at halftime. Less than five
minutes into the opening frame, sophomore Garrett Shufelt gave
Norwich the lead they would hold the rest of the game. Following up
with back-to-back goals in the 31st and 37th
minute was junior Ryan Robertson, as freshmen Eric Weir and Zach
MacMillon earned the assists, each on one of his goals.
The second half proved to be a much harder fought battle than
the first 45 minutes of play had turned out to be. Just two minutes
into the second frame, Mustangs' freshman Kevin Custodio
netted his first collegiate goal, assisted by classmate Steve
MacDonald.
Norwich earned a free kick in the 63rd minute of
action, choosing to run their play immediately as Mount Ida set up
a defensive wall. Senior Roger Motaze placed a beautiful ball past
an unexpected Mustangs' goalie, giving Norwich their fourth
and final goal of the game.
A new level of intensity was soon achieved on behalf of both
teams, as the ref counted the goal. Less than a minute after the
play, Mustangs' senior Justin Murphy was handed a straight
red card at midfield, while minutes later, Cadets' sophomore
Jake Leclaire was served a yellow card.
In goal for the Cadets, freshman Alex Toomey improved his game
record to 6-4-2, making six saves against the Mustangs. For Mount
Ida, junior Steve Enright made five saves, falling to an 0-10
record on the season in net.
Norwich travels to Rivier College for their next battle, playing
in Nashua, N.H. at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, prefacing the women's
7:30 p.m. contest.
