Box Score

MONTCLAIR, NJ (November 12, 2011) -- The Vassar College men's soccer team's run in the NCAA Championships ended with a 2-1 loss to Dickinson College in the first round on Saturday at Pittser Turf Field.

The Brewers end the season 11-6-3. It was the program's first trip to the NCAA Championships since 1999. The Red Devils (11-4-5) will face host Montclair State University, a 5-0 winner over Framingham State, on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

“We're pleased we got here and pleased with how we worked,” said head coach Andy Jennings. “No team is happy to leave in the first round, but it's a credit to Dickinson.”

After going down 2-1 in the second half, Vassar had several chances to even the score but none were fruitful as the slim Red Devil lead held. In the final three minutes, Vassar had two set piece opportunities with almost the entire Vassar team packed in the Red Devil penalty area, including the goalkeeper.

On the first attempt, senior Ross Macklin sent the kick into a crowd at the 8-yard mark and junior Zander Mrlik rose above to head the ball toward the far post. Vassar senior Sam Erlichson McCarthy put a solid right foot on the ball but Dickinson keeper Cody Hickox made a spectacular diving save and the Red Devils held on for the 2-1 victory.

“We had a chance at the end but the Dickinson keeper made an unbelievable save,” said Jennings.

Dickinson was the first team to break through in the second half as Javier Mena blasted a shot from the corner of the penalty area to the far post to put the Red Devils ahead 2-1 in the 67th minute. On Vassar's next possession, Mrlik knocked a shot of the cross from long range.

In the first half, play was even and concentrated in the middle of the field but Vassar had a slight 4-3 edge in shots and 3-1 advantage in corners.

Dickinson struck first with a header goal by Aidan Gaughran off a corner kick by Nicholas Tierno in the 23rd minute. Vassar retaliated two minutes later to even the score with a goal by senior Sam Erlichson McCarthy. Sophomore Evan Seltzer sent a through ball into the penalty area and junior Dante Varotsis rolled the ball across the goal mouth to Erlichson McCarthy for the finish.