UNION, N.J. (9/24/14) – The Kean University soccer team utilized a four-goal barrage and a fantastic effort from Brad Watkins in goal to down Vassar College 4-0 on Wednesday. Five different Cougars scored points as they raised their record to 5-3-1. Vassar sank to 6-3-1 with the loss.
Kean was buzzing around the goal from the get-go. Early on, Sevag Kherlopian's penalty kick hit the crossbar. The rebound came to Cyril Yemofio but his shot was blocked in front as the Brewers dodged an early bullet.
Seven minutes into the game, Watkins made his first good stop with a full-extension dive to his right.
After that save, Kean scored back-to-back goals from nearly identical spots on the field just 20 seconds apart. On the first, Kherlopian sent a long pass to Robert Barrera in stride. The sophomore gained possession in the Brewer box deep on the left-hand side and sent a rocket skimming along the turf and toward the far-side post. The ball hit the side netting for his team-leading third goal of the season.
In the blink of an eye, the Cougars again had the ball deep in Vassar territory. This time, Pablo Valle lifted an expert floater – the exact opposite of Barrera's shot – up over the leaping goaltender and under the crossbar for his first goal of the season.
Some time later, Watkins made another great save on a one-time, point-blank shot for the Brewers to keep them scoreless.
Late in the first half, Kean sent a pass deep into Vassar territory. The Brewers had two defenders back, and the two defensemen and Steven Zamudio all reached the ball at the same time. The two Vassar players wound up tackling each other, leaving Zamudio alone with the goalkeeper. Assessing the situation well, Zamudio juked the goalie way out of his cage and sent an easy volley into the wide-open net for Kean's third goal and a 3-0 halftime lead.
With 12 minutes gone in the second half, Watkins (pictured left) made yet another fantastic save on a one-on-none breakaway for the Brewers. He finished the match with a season-high seven saves.
With 30 minutes to go, Kevin Olaya lined up for a free kick near the intersection of the football 25-yard line and the sideline. His bendy kick found paydirt and capped the Kean scoring as the Cougars closed out their victory with stifling defense in the second period.
The men's soccer team will continue its season-long homestand on Saturday with an NJAC matchup against The College of New Jersey at 1 p.m. Originally scheduled for the East Campus, the game will instead be played at Kean Alumni Stadium.
