Senior midfielder Tre Ming scored a goal and four assists as the Thomas College men's soccer team closed out its regular season with a 5-0 Senior Day victory over Johnson State College on Saturday at Smith Field.
Ming got Thomas on the board in the 20th minute by knocking in a cross from freshman Adam LaBrie for his fifth goal of the season.
DJ Nicholas netted the first of his two goals in the 26th minute, taking a service from Ming and placing a shot past Johnson State goalkeeper Berkan Agul to extend the lead to 2-0.
The Terriers added another tally just before halftime as junior London Steede-Jackson took another service from Ming and found the back of the net with 47 seconds left in the opening frame.
Thomas maintained its pressure coming out of halftime as Nicholas scored his second goal just three minutes into the second half. A goal in the 62nd minute by freshman Josh Emard completed the scoring.
Junior goalkeeper Joakim Sternas and freshmen Jonathan Dutka and Alex Berard combined on the shutout. Sternas played the opening half, while Dutka started the second half and Berard entered with 20 minutes to play. Of the three, Dutka was the only one credited with a save.
For Johnson State, Berkan Agul made two saves on five shots on goal in the first half. Alex Pakatar had four saves in the second half.
The Badgers had five shots overall with one by Kahambwe Felekeni finding the frame. The Terriers were credited with 23 shots, including 11 on goal. Nicholas led Thomas with five shots and three on goal, while Emard, Ming and LaBrie had four shots each. Thomas also held a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Prior to the contest, the team's three seniors – Ming and defenders Chris Godfrey and Lukas Bohman – were recognized for their contributions to the program.
The Terriers (12-4, 8-1 NAC) are assured of a top-three seed in the upcoming NAC Tournament. Seeding will be finalized following the conclusion of conference play on Sunday which sees Castleton hosting Maine Maritime and Green Mountain hosting Husson. Castleton is 6-1 in NAC play and needs a win to forge a three-way tie with the Terriers and Colby-Sawyer atop the final league standings.