Men's Soccer Celebrates Senior Night With 3-0 Win Over Washington College

SWARTHMORE, Pa. - In a fight for its playoff life following three consecutive defeats, the Swarthmore College men's soccer team (11-5, 5-3) picked the perfect time to play some of its best soccer of the season, as the Garnet easily defeated Washington College by the score of 3-0 on Wednesday evening from Clothier Field Stadium.

On a night when the program honored its nine seniors playing their final match at the College, it was the Class of 2011 that stepped up with the season on the line. Seniors Fabian Castro (67th) and Micah Rose (30th) each scored for the Garnet, along with freshman Michael Stewart (39th). Senior goalkeeper David D'Annunzio anchored a Garnet defense that limited the Shoremen to hardly any scoring chances. For his part, D'Annunzio made two saves to earn the record-setting 28th clean sheet of his career.

With the victory, Swarthmore can now assure itself a spot in the upcoming Centennial Conference playoffs with a win at rival Haverford on Saturday.

Senior Roberto Contreras IV and junior Kieran Reichert added first-half assists.

Following the pre-game senior ceremony, Swarthmore got right to work in its must-win match. After threatening on several occasions in the first 25 minutes of play, the Garnet finally broke through in the 30th minute when Rose headed home a goal off Contreras' corner kick, giving Swat the 1-0 advantage.

Just eight minutes later, Swarthmore added to its lead. Reichert dribbled the ball up field past several Shoremen defenders and dished left to a streaking Michael Stewart, who beat the entire defense and converted from close range to make it a 2-0 game.

The final dagger came in 67th minute on Castro's team-leading seventh goal of the season. The senior took two touches to his right and fired through several defenders to reach the back of the net, bringing the game to its 3-0 final.

Castro has now scored in four of the Garnet's last five matches.

Swarthmore completely dominated the play from the opening whistle, out-shooting the Shoremen 23-5.

Seniors Ayman Abunimer, Toby Heavenrich, Arsean Maqami, David Sterngold and Pierre Dyer all started and contributed the Garnet's lopsided win. As a class, the Garnet seniors have won 60 games, two Centennial Conference championships and reached three-consecutive NCAA Playoffs.

Saturday's showdown at Haverford with a playoff spot on the line is set for 3:00 p.m.