Men’s soccer had another tough week, suffering a 1–0 loss against Williams College and tying against tenth ranked University of Rochester 0–0.
On Wednesday, September 21, the Engineers traveled to Williamstown to face the Ephs. In the first half, Williams outshot RPI, with the Ephs putting nine on goal, while the Engineers only managed one. Despite this, no goals were scored in the first half of the game.
The only goal of the game was scored in the 73rd minute by Mohammed Rashid. Malcolm Singleton started the playing, making a break down the left side of the field and evading defenders to pass to Rashid, who shot the ball to the top right corner, evading the reach of junior goalie Ryan Nealon.
The following Saturday, the Engineers went up against the Yellowjackets. During the first half of the game, RPI failed to gain possession on 50-50 balls, seemingly losing the ball on every thrown-in, goal kick, and loose ball.
Despite their lack of possession, the Engineers held strong thanks to an iron-wall defense. Senior Joel Ahearne-Ray and freshman Brandon Pirog commanded the backline, thwarting every Yellowjacket attempt at a goal.
As the second half of the game wore on, RPI was infused with a new passion. The team put together more opportunities, both in narrowly-missed shots on goal, and in the form of five corner kicks.
Still, no team was able to sink the ball in the back of the net, and the game went into overtime.
Feeling that the game was closer than originally anticipated, the Engineers marched on and continued their fight, starting play after play, only to be stopped by Rochester. RPI worked until the last whistle was blown, but it was not enough to secure a win.
In the end, no team was able to score and the game ended in a tie.
The Engineers are on the road again this week, playing Rochester Institute of Technology on September 30, and Hobart College the following day.