HAVERFORD, Pa. — The Haverford College men's soccer team (10-0-9, 3-0-6 CC) secured a 1-0 victory over Hood Trophy rival Swarthmore (5-6-6, 1-4-4 CC) on Saturday at historic Walton Field, with the lone goal coming from Gabe Knopf in the 88th minute.
Haverford's triumph came on Senior Day as Knopf was honored along with Conrad Coyanda-Parkzes, Andrew Fritz, Kieran Kunihiro and Juan Rivera. The win marked Haverford's first undefeated regular season since 1945 and extended the Fords' unbeaten streak to 19 matches heading into the Centennial Conference tournament.
Haverford's defense held strong throughout, with goalkeeper Grayson Benson recording a shutout, his 10th of the season, and making three key saves. The Fords pressed from the opening whistle. Thomas Vanni tested Swarthmore's defense early, including a blocked attempt just 31 seconds into play, and maintained offensive pressure through multiple corner kicks.
Swarthmore goalkeeper Colin Crowe made a crucial save on another Vanni shot in the 28th minute, while a header from Aiden Lee rattled the crossbar. Despite these opportunities, the first half ended scoreless.
Haverford continued to create chances in the second half, including shots by Vanni, Andrew Fritz, and a high header from Carter Kroenke, but it was senior captain Knopf who delivered the decisive moment. Knopf buried a crisp pass from Jonathan D'Amour into the back of the net, sparking a raucous celebration on Walton Field with his first goal of the season coming at the best possible moment. Knopf's goal came on his only shot on target, while Vanni led the Fords with seven shots overall. Benson's three saves preserved the shutout, and D'Amour's assist was pivotal in setting up the winning play.
For Swarthmore, Crowe played all 90 minutes between the papes, making two saves while conceding the lone goal. Len Yamabe led the Garnet with two shots, including one on goal, and both Kaden Cho and Joseph Eyiolowope added one shot on goal each. The win also puts a crucial tally into Haverford's fight for the annual all-sports rivalry trophy between the two colleges, the Hood Trophy.
Haverford will mark its return to the Centennial Conference Championship tournament for the first time since 2019, beginning with the First Round contest on Tuesday, November 4. Third-seeded Haverford will host sixth-seeded Muhlenberg at Walton Field with game time to be confirmed on Monday's conference calls.
