Men's soccer's win in second overtime is first over Williams since 1996

Peabo Knoth's game-winning goal in double overtime allowed Bates to defeat Williams for the first time since 1996 on Sept. 27, 2015. (File photo by Phyllis Graber Jensen/Bates College)

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. -- Junior Peabo Knoth took a through pass from senior Luis Pereira, outran the defense to an open space on the outside of the box and sent a low shot beyond the goalie's reach and inside the far left post, giving the Bates men's soccer team a dramatic 2-1 win in double overtime Sunday at Williams.

The victory was Bates' (5-1-1, 2-1-1 NESCAC) first against Williams (3-4-0, 2-3-0 NESCAC) since 1996, and its since the New England Small College Athletic Conference became a "playing" conference in the 2000 season. It interrupts Williams' 18-game undefeated streak against Bates; the teams tied 1-1 last year in Lewiston.

Bates tied the game at 1-1 in the 89th minute of regulation, as sophomore Nate Merchant (Los Angeles, Calif.) received a cross from the left side from sophomore Justin Yacovino (North Bergen, N.J.) and powered it into the back of the net.

The winning goal was the sixth of the season for Knoth (Portland, Maine), tying him for the conference lead and giving the junior forward 17 in his career. Pereira (Curitiba, Brazil) notched his NESCAC-best fifth assist on the play.

Bates' win comes as welcome relief after suffering a 5-0 setback at Wesleyan on Saturday, the Bobcats' first loss of the year.

Senior goalie Sam Polito (Far Hills, N.J.) made 10 saves for Bates, helping to offset Williams' stark advantages in shots (28-11), shots on goal (12-6) and corner kicks (9-1).

The Bobcats have now won five games for the first time since 2010.

Bates next takes on Trinity College at home in another NESCAC game on Saturday, Oct. 3, during Back to Bates Weekend.