The University of Vermont men’s soccer team showed signs of its underdog mentality on Saturday. The No. 13 Catamounts won a gritty defensive battle, taking a 1-0 victory against the No. 3 Akron University Zips. “Before the game, we talked about doing the little things that could equal that result,” said University of Vermont men’s soccer head coach Rob Dow. “It may not be the most attractive thing, but we’re playing good team soccer, and we showed that finally today.”Both teams were scoreless after the first half, until a couple of passes from Ryan Zellefrow and Connor Thompson set up David Ismail for his second goal of the season and the only goal of the game. Ismail, who broke his nose last Saturday on Sept. 6, against Lehigh University, was cleared to play with a mask on Friday, Sept. 12, around 9:30 a.m. He was ready to contribute to his team as soon as he could after missing the team’s game against Dartmouth College on Tuesday, Sept. 9.”I had an appointment in the hospital. They said the risk is OK if I play with a mask,” Ismail said. “I thought to myself, if I’m clear, I’m going to play, and it was just the same preparation as any other game, to be honest.”Dow added he was thrilled to have him back in the lineup, saying he appreciates his leadership out on the field. “He is a father figure within our team,” Dow said. “Good intensity, great leadership, ready for his moments, and he’s just a winner.”Niklas Herceg faced 13 Akron shots and saved three of them, leading to his third shutout of the season. Vermont now stands at 4-0-3 and is looking to continue to build on its undefeated streak. The Catamounts have not lost a match since Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. “It speaks for the team,” Ismail said. “We develop every game, and I think we’re in a good spot.”Vermont will face Hofstra University in the last match of a four-game homestand. Kickoff is on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 6 pm.
The University of Vermont men’s soccer team showed signs of its underdog mentality on Saturday.
The No. 13 Catamounts won a gritty defensive battle, taking a 1-0 victory against the No. 3 Akron University Zips.
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“Before the game, we talked about doing the little things that could equal that result,” said University of Vermont men’s soccer head coach Rob Dow. “It may not be the most attractive thing, but we’re playing good team soccer, and we showed that finally today.”
Both teams were scoreless after the first half, until a couple of passes from Ryan Zellefrow and Connor Thompson set up David Ismail for his second goal of the season and the only goal of the game.
Ismail, who broke his nose last Saturday on Sept. 6, against Lehigh University, was cleared to play with a mask on Friday, Sept. 12, around 9:30 a.m. He was ready to contribute to his team as soon as he could after missing the team’s game against Dartmouth College on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
“I had an appointment in the hospital. They said the risk is OK if I play with a mask,” Ismail said. “I thought to myself, if I’m clear, I’m going to play, and it was just the same preparation as any other game, to be honest.”
Dow added he was thrilled to have him back in the lineup, saying he appreciates his leadership out on the field.
“He is a father figure within our team,” Dow said. “Good intensity, great leadership, ready for his moments, and he’s just a winner.”
Niklas Herceg faced 13 Akron shots and saved three of them, leading to his third shutout of the season.
Vermont now stands at 4-0-3 and is looking to continue to build on its undefeated streak. The Catamounts have not lost a match since Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
“It speaks for the team,” Ismail said. “We develop every game, and I think we’re in a good spot.”
Vermont will face Hofstra University in the last match of a four-game homestand. Kickoff is on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 6 pm.
