Bard College Athletics

ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. – The Bard College men's soccer team battled through a physical and tightly contested first half against Vassar on Wednesday evening at the Lorenzo Ferrari Soccer & Lacrosse Complex before the Brewers pulled away in the second half for a 3-1 victory.

The Raptors stayed within striking distance throughout the opening 45 minutes, answering an early Vassar goal with an equalizer just six minutes later. After the Brewers opened the scoring in the sixth minute, Bard responded quickly. Frankie Perera-Modica found the back of the net at 11:14 to level it at 1-1 after a Vassar error on the back line. 

Bard continued to challenge Vassar throughout the half. Emmett Olson nearly gave the Raptors the advantage with a pair of shots on goal just over two minutes apart, but Vassar goalkeeper Jacob Raphan turned both away. Brandon Alchy and Luca Costanzo also generated chances as Bard looked to break through. 

The match's physicality was evident throughout the opening period, with the two sides combining for 11 first-half fouls. Vassar regained the lead in the 36th minute on Alejandro Martinez's second goal of the match, sending Bard into halftime trailing just 2-1. 

The Brewers shifted gears after the break and began applying increased pressure. Bard earned a corner and generated an opportunity from Alchy early in the half, but Vassar extended its advantage in the 56th minute when Eli Torrey scored to make it 3-1. 

Bard continued to battle despite the two-goal deficit. Mikhail O'Garro and Henry Skeltis each registered second-half attempts, while the Raptors earned two corners. On the other end, goalkeeper Jake Sudit was tested repeatedly as Vassar increased its attacking pressure. Sudit finished the night with six saves. 

Sudit helped keep the Raptors within reach with several strong stops in the second half. Vassar finished with a 22-9 advantage in shots and a 14-2 edge in corner kicks, while Bard recorded three shots on goal. Perera-Modica scored the Raptors' lone goal, while Olson put both attempts on frame. 

Bard will take on #7 St. Lawrence on Saturday at 2 p.m.