Panthers Sneak Past Stags in SCIAC Tilt

CLAREMONT, Calif. – A goal off the volley from Chapman's Elliott Braund in the 73rd minute proved to be the eventual game-winner on Saturday evening in a 1-0 victory for the Panthers over the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps men's soccer team. A hard, low cross from Zev Gollis found the foot of Braund at the top of the six for the lone goal of the contest.

In the game, the Panthers held a 22-13 advantage in shots, but the Stags had a few unbelievable chances late in the contest. The best opportunity came in the 87th minute when a long service from the midfield got into the box and, with the keeper out of position, found the foot of Patrick Burke (CMC). Bruke did not have time to settle the ball, but with it moving across the goal mouth, he had a chance for a one-touch shot. His shot from inside the six, rattled off the post and gave the Chapman defense just enough time to recover and clear the ball out of the CMS attacking third.

The final quality chance came in the 90th minute, but a header from Daniel Rohde (HMC) did not have enough steam to reach the goal and the Panthers held on for the 1-0 decision.

In the first-half, some of the better chances for the Stags came on headers off services into the box. Nate Huntington (CMC) in the 24th minute sent an attempt wide and just moments later a shot from Cole Smith (CMC) sailed high over the bar.

Despite some early opportunities, the score remained level at 0-0 through the half.

In the opening 45 minutes, Chapman held the advantage in shots (13-5), but the tables felt like they had flipped in the beginning portion of the second-half. For a solid 20 minutes at the start of the second period, the Stags were the ones controlling possession and dictating the pace of play. A beautiful header from Justin Gadalla (HMC) went over the crossbar in the 61st minute and shots in the next five minutes by Burke and Kevin Proudfoot (HMC) were blocked and saved, respectively.

Slightly against the pace of play, the Panthers found their goal. Gollis carried the ball deep into the corner and beat his man to the inside before delivering a low cross that Braund picked out of the air cleanly for the tally.

Chances were available for the Stags late, despite the Panthers focusing on the defensive end in the final 20 minutes. In search of the equalizer, the Stags got off four shots in the final 10 minutes, but none were able to fine the twine and Chapman held on for the 1-0 victory.

The loss drops the Stags to 1-4-0 overall and 1-2-0 in the SCIAC. CMS will next take the pitch on Wednesday, when they host national-ranked Redlands at 7:00 p.m.