NORTHFIELD, Minn. –
Matthew Deffo scored twice and added an assist as the Carleton College men's soccer team moved into third place in the conference standings and clinched a berth in the MIAC Playoffs by defeating Macalester College, 3-1.
This marks the 18th time in the last 19 seasons that the Knights (10-4-1, 6-2-0 MIAC) have qualified for the MIAC Playoffs, easily the most postseason berths over that span.
"So happy for this team," said Carleton head coach
Bob Carlson. "Their togetherness has helped us overcome a lot this season. And as I've told them, their adaptability to different positions, different roles, and different circumstances due to injury has been essential this season. We're going to need that togetherness, adaptability and senior leadership as we move forward."
Carleton wasted little time grabbing the lead in the fifth minute. Following a corner kick, the initial shot by the Knights was blocked, but the ball found Deffo. He laid it off for Roman, for a rocket inside the near post. It was Roman's sixth goal of the campaign.
The Knights used the counterattack to double their lead in the 11th minute. Deffo blocked a Macalester (5-5-4, 3-4-1 MIAC) shot at one end of the pitch and raced toward the other. The deflection sailed out near midfield, where it was tracked down by
Willan Shrock. He dribbled ahead and drew a pair of defenders to him before slotting a pass behind the Scots' backline. Deffo ran onto the ball, rounded the 'keeper, and scored into the open net for his team-best seventh goal of the season.
Deffo scored another counterattack goal in the 32nd minute. Centerback
Josh Zebrack stepped in front of a Macalester pass then launched the ball downfield, allowing Deffo to out-run the defense and chip the goalkeeper. This is his first career multi-goal effort, and his eight goals are fourth among MIAC players this fall. Deffo is now tied for the third-highest goal total for a Carleton first-year (see chart below).
Playing from in front, the Knights stymied Macalester until the 86th minute, when the Scots finally got on the scoreboard with a rebound goal by Gaven Johnson.
Carleton goalkeeper
Adam Ouachani made six saves.
Up Next for the Knights
Carleton travels to No. 22-ranked Saint John's University for a 1:00 p.m. contest on Saturday, Oct. 24.
Most Goals by Carleton First Year (since 1998)
19 — Branden McGarrity (2012)
11 — Marco da Cunha (2018)
8 — Nick Feltz (2003), Tim Wills (2008),
Matthew Deffo (2026)
7 — David Watson (2002)
6 — Bobby Phillips (2005), Brian Tenhoor (2005),
Oscar Gates (2026)
