Endicott Edges Brandeis University in Home Opener Thriller

Sept. 7, 2004

For the first time in the 2004 season, the EC men's soccer team knows what victory feels like. In an absolute thriller, EC defeated the Brandeis University Judge's 2-1 in regulation. The victory moves EC to 1-1 in non-conference play and Brandeis University to 0-1. Out of the gates, EC struggled a bit. Giving up numerous shots and Brandeis's only goal, Charles Donahue scored at the 2:05 mark of the first half. EC found leadership in their senior right back Ryan Vigilant. Vigilant, like he has in the past, anchored the EC defense and kept a young but talented defensive line calm and steady to weather the storm. EC Goalkeeper Colin Kemble also had a superb game turning away 7 shots and strengthening his bid for Player of the Week. Down 1-0 entering the second half, EC turned it up a notch. Midfielders Chris Croteau and Steven Gloria pushed the pace of the game while forward Josh Lewis and his masterful touches created some much-needed offense. After countless opportunities EC finally put one away. Freshman Douglas Lindblad fired a shot that hugged the post and found the back of the net. At the 64:44 mark of the second half Lindblad recorded his first college point but his contributions at the defensive end of the field have been a catalyst for the teams success. But EC wasn't done. At the 80:00 mark, Brian Thopsey, a sophomore out of Farmington, CT chased down a through ball from freshman standout Elias Carrero. Thopsey with a defender on his back hit a shot, which grazed the hands of the Judge's Goalkeeper, Pat Mackridakis. The ball, already by the goalkeeper, slowly rolled into the net and became what was eventually the game winner. Last season, Brandeis University reached the quarterfinals of the ECAC Division III New England championships and defeated Endicott 4-1 in the season opener. Endicott will host its rival, Salem State, home on Thursday at 4pm.