Stingy Conn wins again
No. 5 Camels ride Marcucci, defense to their 11th victory
New London — When Connecticut College finally scored a breakthrough goal about midway through the second half on Tuesday, pressure seemed to lift. And for good reason. The Camels had allowed just two goals — one on a penalty kick — all season, thanks to standout goalie AJ Marcucci and his reliable, stingy defense.
Still, they couldn't really relax until freshman MT Tshuma blasted home a well-placed cross from junior Freddy Stokes, putting the finishes touches on a 2-0 shutout of upset-minded Rhode Island College in men's soccer action on Harkness Green.
The fifth-ranked Camels continue to roll, improving to 11-0-2 overall. It's their most wins since posting 12 in the 1996 season.
"It was an interesting one, but we got the job done," Marcucci said. "It wasn't a NESCAC game but it was still crucial for us for the NCAA tournament. Guys were ready to play. It's just the mentality for us just dropped a little bit."
Mid-week non-conference games often make coaches reach for Pepto Bismol. Tuesday's contest had its share of stomach-churning moments for coach Kenny Murphy.
The Camels, who were coming off a huge week that included two New England Small college Athletic Conference double overtime ties with Amherst and nationally-ranked Tufts, got off to a sluggish start, frustrating Murphy and giving a jolt of confidence to the Anchormen (3-8-2).
"It was the feared mid-week game where you don't show up," Murphy said. "They had two chances the whole game, but we just look slowed and we were just too slow with the ball. And they had some individuals that could have caught us on the counter."
The Camels almost did give up an early goal.
But a wide open RIC freshman Jonathan Olivera headed a shot wide from about 10 yards out. And Marcucci bailed out the Camels by charging out to make a brilliant save on a close range shot.
"Once again, our goalie," Murphy said. "He's the best goalie in the league and best goalie in the region. He comes through for us when we break down. Our back line has been fantastic this year. Taking this game out, it's a year we have seniors that are producing."
The magnificent Marcucci, a sophomore, has been as reliable as the sunrise and made a habit of shining during crucial moments. He entered the game ranked third in the country in goals against average at an astounding 0.17 and the Camels are second in goals allowed. He also has nine shutouts. He's quick to give credit to his defense. "The back four of Freddy Stokes, Liam Donelan, Luke Stoneback and Tyler Hoadley are probably one of the top back lines in the NESCAC, if not in the country," Marcucci said. "They're very solid and they protect me back there. I don't need to do that much."
Marcucci made two saves before being replaced by sophomore Chris MacKay with under 14 minutes left. The Camels are in a bit of scoring funk. It took until the 66:16 mark for them to take the lead on Wednesday. Senior Uzii Dieng knocked in a rebound off a goal-mouth scramble for his fourth goal of the season. Five and a half minutes later, Tshuma fired home his second career goal.
Now it's back to NESCAC play. Conn College is tied with Tufts for first place at 6-0-2 with two games remaining. The Camels finish on the road against Bowdoin Saturday and Wesleyan on Tuesday.
They're pursuing the program's first NESCAC title and only the second by a Conn College team. Women's soccer captured a crown in 2014.
They're also attempting to qualify for consecutive NCAA tourney trips for the first time in program history.
"We felt last year we didn't finish the year strong...," Murphy said. "We've talked about it and it's a goal of the team. We need to finish strong. We need to be peaking and at our best when we hit the playoffs and if we make the tournament."