Crowley busy in goal for Babson soccer team

Babson, undefeated (3-0) and in first place in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference, won a key conference game last weekend, 1-0, over Wheaton.

Crowley, a graduate of the Brooks School in North Andover, made nine saves and classmate Max Walker of Newton (Buckingham Browne & Nichols) assisted on the winner by Eric Anderson.

In nine matches, Crowley has compiled a 6-2-1 record with a pair of shutouts, a 1.36 goals-against average and a .772 save percentage. He had five saves Tuesday when Babson edged Brandeis, 3-2.

“Peter’s performance in the postseason last year helped us capture the NEWMAC championship and our 20th NCAA tournament bid,’’ said head coach Jon Anderson, in his 24th season at the Wellesley school. “Since returning from his injury, he has steadily regained his form and had his best game against Wheaton.’’

Anderson said that Walker has recovered from multiple injuries and illness from earlier this season.

“Last year, Max dominated the midfield, controlling games,’’ Anderson added. “His play in his first two full games this season made all the difference in a 1-1 tie with fifth-ranked Connecticut College, and his assist against Wheaton was huge.’’

Babson’s active roster also includes sophomore midfielder Jim Stento (Needham High), sophomore midfielder/goalkeeper Robert Schmidt-Chang (Concord-Carlisle High) and first-year outside back Kevin Webb of Northborough (Algonquin Regional).

The Beavers, unbeaten (2-0-1) in their last three games and ranked ninth in New England, received a boost from Schmidt-Chang as a backup to Crowley, who missed five games with an injury. Schmidt-Chang, who was switched to goalkeeper in the preseason, played the second half in a 2-0 victory over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps of Claremont, Calif., making six saves and recording the win.

Stento, son of Babson Hall of Famer and All-American Jim Stento, who played on the Beavers’ 1979 and 1980 national champions, has made a smooth transition from forward to outside midfield. “Jimmy’s speed, confidence and great touch on the ball have added a dangerous option to our offense,’’ said Anderson, who also described Schmidt-Chang as “the consummate team player.’’

Anderson added that Webb is “an improving, solid defender who has been moved to outside back from the midfield.’’

Katie Fusaro, a sophomore forward who was a Tri-Valley League All-Star at Hopkinton High, was second in team scoring (7 goals, 1 assist), including the game-winner Tuesday when the Hawks defeated Gordon College, 3-1. Freshman midfielder Maddy Howard (Medfield), who assisted on the final goal against Gordon, had two goals and one assist. Another starter, sophomore defender Michelle Meagher of Sudbury, has made a strong comeback after missing 14 games last season because of injury.

“Katie’s a natural player with excellent fitness and foot skills, Maddy plays with poise and control that’s rare for a first year and Michelle can always be relied on to make the right play,’’ said Roger Williams coach Abi Jackson.

Joining that trio on the field are sophomore forward Rachel Hodgson of Upton, (two goals, one assist) who played on a pair of state championship teams at Nipmuc Regional, and freshman forward/midfielder Colleen Ryan, a four-year letterwinner at Marlborough High.

“Rachel holds the ball under pressure and has a great foot going to the goal,’’ Jackson added, “and Colleen continues to develop and has great instincts on the ball.’’

Hoobing was an assistant to the president of the Boston Patriots in the late 1960s when the team played home games at BC, and when he moved to Lexington, several of the Eagles players lent a hand.

“It took them just 20 minutes to pack and load our household in the truck, and as a 5-year-old, it seemed to me they had logs as arms,’’ said Hoobing’s son, Ken, of Prospect Park, Pa. “I remember one of them diving into our inflatable kiddie pool in the backyard and emptying it with one splash.’’

Marvin Pave can be reached at 508-820-4223 or marvin.pave@rcn.com.