WALTHAM, Mass. -- Brandeis University senior forward Mike Snyder
(Ashby, Mass.) scored a goal in the 64th minute and rookie
netminder Taylor Bracken (No. Andover, Mass.) backed it up with a
career-high 13 saves as the Judges defeated Emory University, 1-0,
on Gordon Field.
Brandeis (6-5-3, 1-3 UAA) and Emory (9-4, 1-3 UAA) played a tight
first half, with neither team getting great chances. Emory put six
of their nine shots on net, while Brandeis had four of six attempts
on goal.
Snyder broke the deadlock at the 63:07 mark. The play started when
rookie midfielder Billy Murphy (Springfield, Mass.) headed the ball
to sophomore forward Ben Premo (Florence, Mass.) in the box. Premo
sent the ball across the goalmouth to Snyder, whose first attempt
was saved by Eagle junior goalie Keith Meehan (Tampa, Fla.). The
rebound went back to Snyder, who took a dribble as Emory defenders
collapsed on him. Three players went down in front of the net, but
Snyder played the ball from the ground past the defenders for his
third goal of the season and his second game-winner.
Emory, ranked No. 17 in the nation according to d3kicks.com, turned
up the pressure in the final 20 minutes, but Bracken came up huge.
Twice Bracken dove to deflect angled shots from Emory sophomore
Patrick Carver (Springfield, Mo.) wide of the post. After a 76th
minute corner kick, Bracken stoned Eagle senior Tai Doan (Madrid,
Spain), while junior back Joe Levitan (Baltimore, Md.) blocked the
follow-up shot to preserve the tie. The Eagles had a couple more
corners in the closing minutes, but the Brandeis defense held.
Bracken was especially impressive late, making six of his 13 saves
after the Judges had taken the lead.
The win was Brandeis's first in UAA play this season, as the Judges
defeated Emory for the third time in the last four home meetings.
Emory dropped its fourth straight match of the season.
Men's soccer upends No. 17 Emory, 1-0, for first UAA win of season
Posted: Oct 15, 2006