

Box ScoreCAMBRIDGE, Mass. – October 11, 2008 - MIT men’s soccer continued its torrid start to the 2008 campaign by knocking off Springfield College, 2-0, on Saturday at Roberts Field. The victory moved the Engineers to 12-0-1 on the season and 3-0-0 in NEWMAC Play while the Cardinal and Gray continue to build on the best start in program history.
Springfield (5-6-1, 2-2-0) generated the first scoring threat of the afternoon off the boot of senior Matt Montgomery, who re-directed a cross and slammed the ball off the top of the crossbar eight minutes into the match. The Pride had additional chances early in the contest, but a pair of corner kicks and several good crosses failed to yield a goal.
MIT mounted pressure on the Springfield backs midway through the first half, but goalkeeper Kevin Leahy made four saves during the stretch to keep the Engineers’ attack at bay.
MIT broke the scoreless tie two minutes into the second half as junior Adam Talsma delivered his first goal of the season on a re-direct. A penalty near mid-field set up the opportunity while sophomore defender Kevin Chou sent the ball into the box.
The Pride enjoyed a commanding 9-2 edge in corners, but unfortunately every chance to come up with the equalizer was met with an MIT response. Caldwell reciprocated Leahy’s tremendous first half by making fives saves of his own in the second.
With Springfield continuing to search for the game-tying goal, the Engineers locked up the conference win with another finish in the 83rd minute. Sophomore Christian Therkelsen sent a through-ball toward the middle of the pitch that freshman Max Stein-Golenbock corralled and drove 20 yards down field before placing the ball in the bottom left corner for the 2-0 lead.
Caldwell closed the afternoon with seven saves en route to his sixth shutout of the season. Leahy made five saves in goal for the Pride.
Only the seventh coach in a rich soccer tradition dating back to 1906, Peter Haley '77 G '78 will be entering his 24th season of coaching at his alma mater in the fall of 2008. A veteran of 27 years on the college soccer circuit, Haley has amassed over 200 wins during his impressive tenure. Read more.