THE BASICS:

- Score: No. 7 MIT –1, No. 21 Babson – 0

- Records: MIT (13-2-1, 5-0-1 NEWMAC); Babson (8-4-3, 3-1-2 NEWMAC)

- Location: Babson Park, Mass. (Hartwell-Rogers Field)

- The Lead: For the first time since 2015 and for just the fourth time overall, the No.7 MIT men's soccer team will be the top-seed in the NEWMAC Tournament as the Engineers 1-0 win over Babson secured the regular-season crown for MIT.  

HOW IT HAPPENED:

- With the recent history of these two NEWMAC rivals, it came as no surprise that the first half ended with no goals being scored. MIT was able to get two shots on net and held the Beavers to no shots on goal and just three in the first 45 minutes of action.

- It did not take long for the scoreless tie to come to an end in the second half as senior Kaleb Blake (Los Angeles, Calif.) took the ball down the left sideline and sent a low ball into the box for junior Rami Bikdash (Oak Ridge, N.C.) who fired a shot top-shelf from about six-yards out for the score at 49:09.

- It was now up to the Engineers defense to make the goal count, and that they did as junior goalkeeper Paarth Desai (Lawrenceville, Ga.) made some key saves with the rest of the team keeping Babson from getting much on their shots to secure the Engineer's ninth shutout of the season.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

-  MIT is now 10-39-6 all-time against Babson.
 
- 10 of the last 11 matches have been decided by one goal or ended in a draw.
 
- With the win, the Engineers ended Babson's 19-game NEWMAC regular season unbeaten streak while extending their winning streak to eight.
 
- MIT outshot the Beavers 14-10 and held a slight edge in corner kicks at 4-3.
 
- Desai made two saves in goal for his seventh win and fifth shutout of the year.

UP NEXT:

- MIT wraps up its regular season on Saturday, October 30 as the Engineers will host WPI at 4 pm. Before the match, MIT will honor its graduating class.

STAY CONNECTED:

- For the latest on MIT Athletics, follow the Engineers via social media on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.