The nationally sixth-ranked Cortland Men’s soccer team advances to the third round of the NCAA Div. III Tournament after an exciting match against Case Western Reserve.
The Red Dragons led the game 2-0 in the 2nd half, but the Spartans came back to end regular time at one a piece. The Red Dragons clinched victory in the penalty shootout 5-4 Sunday afternoon at Holloway field.
Senior Mateo Marra scored the first goal of the game in the 58th minute off a penalty kick, notching his 11th goal of the season. The Red Dragons earned the penalty kick after a Case Western player received a handball foul in the box.
Marra earned SUNYAC Offensive Player of The Year this past week with 11 goals and 11 assists earning 33 points to this point in the season.
The 1-0 advantage was held until the 69th minute, when freshman Adam Pluszczyk scored his first goal of the season for Case Western. He capitalized on a loose ball in the box following a free-kick just outside the 18-yard box.
The remainder of the second half was equally competitive from both Cortland and Case Western with even play that showcased their defensive strengths. Neither side could break the deadlock, leading the contest into double overtime.
Both overtime periods remained scoreless, highlighting both teams’ defenses and goalkeepers. With the scoreboard 1-1, the teams faced a penalty shootout.
Cortland’s win in the penalty shootout was nothing short of spectacular. Cortland’s players found the back of the net for all five shots, leaving Case Western’s goalkeeper with little chance to make crucial saves.
Junior Matt Shultz shared his opinion on his team’s focus and composure throughout the penalty shootout after playing a well hard-fought 90 minutes.
“We knew our keeper could make at least one save, and we had practiced penalties a bunch so we had plenty of confidence that we would win the shootout,” said Shultz.
Cortland’s sophomore goalkeeper Jordan Ott denied Case Western’s second penalty attempt giving Cortland the advantage. Ott’s save became the turning point, solidifying Cortland’s dominance and securing their win.
Cortland junior Yasin Choukri was up for the fifth kick in the shootout. Choukri confidently stepped up to the spot and placed a shot, sealing Cortland’s win.
“The Sweet 16 game is a chance for us to make history here,” said Shultz. “Knowing that will put us all in the right mindset for the week before the game. We’ve been in this position before and we are going to prepare the same as we always do for a game.”