The men's soccer team ended their streaky season with an exclamation point, as the Big Green rallied in the second half to defeat the University of Pennsylvania, 2-1, in Philadelphia on Saturday.
The win was the fourth in the last five games for the Big Green, who finished the season with an overall record of 6-11, 3-4 in the Ivy League.
After a scoreless first half, the Big Green seemed to get a spark after a quick Penn goal started off the half to give the Quakers a 1-0 lead. The Big Green responded when midfielder Methembe Ndlovu '97 sent a perfect pass to forward Augie Lopez '97 on the left side who drilled it past the Penn goalkeeper to tie the score at 1-1.
The goal continued Lopez's hot streak, as he scored a goal in each of the last four victories.
The Big Green took the lead for good a few minutes later when forward Hunter Paschall '96, often said by teammates to be the hardest-working player they have ever seen, outraced the Penn defense to a ball, and from 25 yards out, lofted the ball over the outstretched Quaker goalie.
The goal, Paschall's 12th of the year, was a fitting end to the senior's distinguished career at Dartmouth.
"It was a really miserable day to play because of the wind, the cold and the poor condition of their field," Paschall said. "That usually results in a very physical game which it was, but we deserved to win because we were the better team, even though we got a scare in the first half."
Defensively, the Big Green held strong behind another strong performance from goalkeeper Matt Nyman '99.
Nyman's impressive play and four crucial stops in the game earned him Ivy League Rookie of the Week. Overall, in league play this season, Nyman has saved 31 shots in 660 minutes, only allowing 1.50 goals per game in the Ivy League.
The victory was the last game for seniors Paschall and Captain Jon Bosacco, who have been playing alongside the team's core group of freshmen all season.
"I don't think it will hit me until next week when I don't have to go to practice," Paschall said. "In many ways it will be a relief, but surely it will be a bittersweet relief."
The win boosted the Big Green out of the Ivy League cellar, tying them for fourth place with Columbia and Harvard. After a dismal 0-6 start to the season, this 3-4 league record was indicative of the Big Green's comeback.
"For the team to go out and win the final game is always something that not only leaves a sweet taste in your mouth for the rest of the year, but is also something that will give the team confidence going into next year," Paschall said.
"Coach [Fran O'Leary] always says that you only play the game for two months a year, so to be able to get a win in your final game is something to savor for the rest of the ten months," he added.
