CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Clark men's soccer (4-2-1, 0-0-1 NEWMAC) opened conference play with a hard fought 2-2 2OT draw against MIT (4-1-1, 0-0-1 NEWMAC) on Saturday afternoon from Roberts Field.

Both times Clark and MIT squared off in 2019 the game was sent into overtime with Saturday being no different, though this time there would be no overtime heroics.

Senior Brian Brennan and sophomore Teddy Donahue created the offense for the Cougars in regulation, while sophomore goalie Andrew DiStefano worked hard to never let the scarlet and white fall behind. 

Coach O'Toole's Thoughts

"NEWMAC games are always competitive, this match was no different," said head coach Matt O'Toole. "Very strong performances from Ethan Furphy, Alex Nicholson and Teddy Donahue today were a big reason for our success. Overall, it's a good start for us in conference play."

How it Happened

• MIT started out aggressive, with multiple blocked shots in the first six minutes.
• Senior Brian Brennan got the Cougars on the board in the 20th minute with a perfectly placed penalty kick.
• Late in the first half, senior Alex Maiorano nearly doubled the lead, but was stopped by MIT goal Zak Zhang.
• The Engineers knotted up the score with a goal from Garrett Robinson early in the second half.
• In the 57th minute, the Cougars regained the lead on a goal from sophomore Teddy Donahue off a nice pass from senior Byron Lind.
• Following a string of defensive plays, including two great saves by sophomore goalie Andrew DiStefano, MIT tied the game in the 77th minute on a goal by Noah Faro. Peter Novoa assisted on the goal.
• Neither team could get past the keepers late in the second half, forcing overtime to be played.
• DiStefano made multiple key saves in overtime to keep the Cougars in the game.
• Both overtimes feature defensive stalemates, with only two total shots on goal.

Inside the Box Score

• While MIT outshot Clark 16 to 11, the Cougars put eight shots on goal, one more than the Engineer's seven.
• In terms of fouls and corners, the teams were nearly identical. Clark had one more foul and corner than MIT, with the Cougars having 12 fouls and seven corner kicks. 
• Brennan's goal was his first of the season and gives him 13 in his career.
• Donahue's goal marked the second of the season.
• Maiorano and first-year William Lopez both had multiple shots on goal for the scarlet and white.

What's Next

The Cougars return home next Wednesday for an out-of-conference duel with the Keene State Owls. Be sure to come by the Dolan at 7 p.m. to watch the action.