In a scoreless draw against Western New England University, the Brandeis men’s soccer team not only battled their first intercollegiate contest in two years against the Golden Bears, but they also battled the weather, as the return of collegiate athletics was welcomed by massive downpours.  After 110 minutes of play, both teams open their seasons at 0-0-1.  

While the visiting Golden Bears outshot the Judges 10-3 in the first half, junior goalie Aiden Guthro made four saves in the initial 45 minutes of action, three of which were fired in the final seven minutes before heading into halftime.  

At the 60th minute, Mike Milazzo of Western New England University fired a promising shot toward Guthro, but the score remained 0-0, as the shot was deflected by the post.  The Judges dominated the second half, outshooting their opponent 4-2.  In the 87th minute, sophomore Judge Liam Carpenter-Shulman ’24 was denied which helped force overtime.

Brandeis controlled play with a 7-2 shot advantage throughout the extra 20 minutes of play, including 5-1 on net.  First year Gabriel Haithcock ’25 led the Judges with three shots on goal in overtime, but without Guthro’s save in the 107th minute against Golden Bear Mike Riley, the Judges would not have been able to clinch the draw in their opening contest.

Guthro finished the game with five saves and a shutout in his first career start.  Opposing goalkeeper Brady Allen finished with seven stops against the Judges.  Haithcock led all players with six shots, and both teams finished evenly in total shots, 14-14; Brandeis did, though, outshoot WNEU, 11-4, after the first half.  

The Judges take the road for their second game of the season resuming action on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. in New Hampshire.  They will take on Hobart College at the Keene State/Home Depot Classic.  On Sunday, the Judges will take on the host team at 1:30 p.m. before heading back to Waltham.