Enzo Okpoye is making a habit of scoring big goals. His latest snapped a scoreless tie midway through the second half and helped the Yale men's soccer team earn a very important 2-0 victory at Columbia in New York City.
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The Bulldogs (11-2-2 overall) improved to 4-1 in Ivy play with the win and sit alone in first place with 12 points with two games remaining in the regular season.
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Yale, ranked No. 25 by College Soccer News, had the edge in play in the first half, outshooting the Lions 10-2, but it was scoreless after 45 minutes. The Bulldogs finally broke through at 68:14 on a set piece.
Mark Winhofffer sent a free kick into the box that Okpoye headed home.
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It was Okpoye's fourth goal of the season and three have been game winners.
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Winhoffer sealed the victory with eight seconds remaining by tapping home the rebound after
Miguel Yuste's shot deflected off the post.
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Yale's defense held Columbia in check, limiting the Lions to just seven shots.
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Goalkeeper
Elian Haddock made two saves as the Bulldogs posted their sixth shutout of the season.
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"This was a good all-around performance today, and I think a deserved result on the road against a good Columbia team," said
Kylie Stannard, The 5K Corral Head Coach of the Bulldogs. "For the most part, I think we dictated the way we wanted the game to be played and played with good maturity. We especially kept our composure well in the final minutes when things can always get hectic."
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Yale plays its final home game next Saturday, hosting Brown on Senior Day. Kickoff is slated for 4:30 p.m. The regular season finale is at Princeton on Nov. 16.
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"It's great to get a win on the road in conference and should further help our confidence in the final two games," Stannard said. "We look forward to getting a little rest this week before putting our full attention toward preparing for Brown."
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