Lane’s Header Helps Lift Men’s Soccer Over Union

By Amie Canfield

POUGHKEEPSIE – A header from senior midfielder Ryan Lane proved to be the game-winner as Vassar defeated Union College, 1-0 in Liberty League men’s soccer action on Saturday on Gordon Field. The Brewers are now 7-3-0 on the season with a 3-0-0 mark in league action. The Dutchmen slip to 2-5-1 overall and are 0-2-0 in the Liberty League.

Vassar stepped up the pressure early on goal as senior captain and middie Owen Fauth sent a shot in on Union keeper Jacob Perry in the third minute, forcing the save, while Lade followed four minutes later for the Brewers second shot on goal attempt.

The Brewers kept up consistent pressure, finally grabbing the go-ahead goal in the 26th minute on Lane’s header. Fauth got the play started, sending in a long throw from the far side of the field. The ball careened into traffic in the box as Lane got a touch and kicked it into the air, making a slight turn as he leaped and headed it in on goal. Union’s Perry was unable to control it as it banked off his hands and in.

Union saw sophomore midfielder attempt as solid shot in the 42nd minute, but the Vassar defense held strong with a blocked shot to keep it a 1-0 game heading into halftime.

Second half action saw the Dutchmen step up the pressure as senior forward Nate Boule’s shot in the 47th minute went just wide, while second later, senior defender Christian Rufo’s header off a corner also banked just wide.

The Brewers had several outstanding attempts in the later stages of the half, beginning in the 75th minute as Fauth had a one-on-one with Union’s goalie, his shot bouncing off the goalie who quickly recovered to control it. Fauth had another saved shot in the 80th minute, which was followed by a just-wide shot from junior forward Teddy Borgos seconds later.

Union had another solid chance in the 87th minute as sophomore midfielder Lucas Crowley nearly converted a header off a Boule corner, but it went just wide as Vassar gained control for the remainder of the contest.

Vassar owned a 13-11 edge in shots, including a 6-1 margin on goal. The Dutchmen had the 6-3 advantage in corner kicks for the contest.

In goal, senior goalie Eric Wnorowski earned the victory, making one save on the day. Union saw Perry record five saves on the other end.

Vassar returns to action this Saturday when it travels to Saratoga Springs, NY for a 2pm match at Skidmore.