The Brandeis men’s soccer team faced another weekend of UAA conference matchups, this time hosting University of Rochester and Emory University. Both contests needed extra time to be decided with the Judges experiencing a heartbreaker against Rochester on Friday but bouncing back with a thrilling win against Emory on Sunday.
The first match against Rochester Friday night began with the Judges scoring the third minute of play with Brandon Miskin ’19 placing a great ball off a corner kick, that was headed into the goal by Alex Walter ’20.
In the 36th minute, Rochester returned the favor with a header off a long throw in. The Rochester Yellowjackets held the advantage in shots 14-12 at the end of regulation.
Heading into overtime it did not take long for the visitors to score the decisive goal. Rochester made the Judges pay after a defensive miscue in the 91st minute, sending home a shot from the top of the box to give the Yellowjackets the win. Rochester finished the game with a 15-12 advantage in shots and a 7-2 corner kick advantage. Brandeis’s goalkeeper Greg Irwin ’20 made two saves in the 2-1 losing effort.
On Sunday, the Judges looked to bounce back as they honored their seniors for Senior Day and looked to knock off Emory. Before the match Brandeis honored their five seniors who were playing in their final UAA home game of their career. The seniors were forwards Devan Casey and Andrew Allen, defensive backs Julien Tremblay and Stephen DePietto, and midfielder Joshua Handler.
Neither team was able to hit the back of the net in the first half. Shots were 8-6 in favor of Brandeis at the half and by the end of regulation the Judges outshot the Eagles 8-2. The match was physical and chippy, with 33 fouls and three yellow cards being handed out.
Heading into the first overtime, Emory had the upper hand, outshooting Brandeis 3-2 and earning two corner kicks, but they were unable to break the tie. In the second overtime, the Eagles had the first two shots and the next two went to the Judges. With the game in the last minute, Brandeis earned a throw in deep in the Emory zone. Jake Warren ’20 tossed the ball deep into play. An Emory defender attempted to clear the ball but missed, being picked up by Andrew Allen ’19. His initial shot was blocked but came back to him and with the Eagle goalkeeper out of position, Allen was able to rebound his shot and send it inside near the right post.
It was an electric moment for the Judges and a special goal for Allen playing in his final UAA home game of his career. It was his fourth goal of the season and second game winner. Allen has had quite the career with 14 goals, five being game winners. But he is not finished quite yet.
Inside the box, Brandeis finished with a 22-13 edge in shots, including 8-2 in shots on goal. Corner kicks were even at seven apiece. Brandeis goalkeeper Noah Cohen ’20 made two saves to give him his second win of the season and first career shutout.
With the win, the Judges improve to 7-5-1 overall, 2-1-1 in the UAA.
