In a heart-pounding second-round NCAA Division III playoff match at Grady Field, the SUNY Cortland Red Dragons held on for a 2–1 win over the Catholic University Cardinals, thanks to a dramatic, late-game winner by senior forward Josh Carroll. Photo Credit: EDL Photography
The win moves Cortland into the Sweet 16, where they’ll face a tough regional opponent next weekend. For Catholic, ending their previously undefeated season and sending the Cardinals home one round short of a deep tournament run.
The stage was set early. Cortland, ranked No. 9 nationally, carried strong postseason form into the match and leaned into that experience. Catholic, meanwhile, was riding high after a gritty 1–0 overtime win in the first round, their confidence visible in every pass.
Catholic struck first in the second half. In the 49th minute, Corey Magro headed in a cross from Graham Leary, giving the Cardinals a well-earned 1–0 lead. The goal came against the run of play, Cortland had been working patiently through midfield, and slowly building momentum.
The Red Dragons took no time to answer. Roughly three minutes after falling behind, they struck back. A free kick from the edge of the box curled in, bounced off the Catholic wall, and landed right at the feet of Owen Brant, who nodded it on target. With defenders crowded around him, Dylan Pederson lofted a header to the left post, and Brant soared above the defense to redirect the ball into the net, leveling the game 1–1.
From that moment, it was back and forth. Catholic absorbed Cortland’s pressure and threatened on the break several times — once forcing a sprawling save from goalkeeper Jordan Ott, who made nine saves over the course of the day. On defense, Cortland’s back line remained organized and disciplined, denying the Cardinals clear looks in the final third.
With regulation winding down, neither side had broken through and the risk of extra time was up in the air. But then came the moment that decided the game.
In the 88th minute, a high ball from midfield bounced awkwardly off the turf and into the path of Chimelu Blandin. Carroll, closing in fast, pounced on a loose clearance and fired a right-footed strike into the center of the goal past Catholic’s goalkeeper. His finish sent the Grady Field crowd, and the Red Dragons erupted in celebration.
Catholic pushed desperately in stoppage time, earning a corner kick in the closing seconds. The service was met by a thundering header, but Cortland’s defense rose to the challenge — clearing the ball and hanging on until the final whistle.
Josh Carroll was clearly emotional in the postgame huddle. His late goal his 12th of the season underscores his value not just as a scorer, but as a leader with a knack for the big moment.
For Catholic, the season ends with a strong record but also a lingering “what if.” Catholic seemed to control the ball for the majority of the game. Throughout the afternoon, they matched Cortland in fight and creativity, and they came so close to extending their run.
But Cortland leaves Grady Field energized, battle-tested, and confident. With the Sweet 16 now in sight, the Red Dragons are ready to press on and they believe there’s more magic ahead in November.