The outstanding season produced by the New York University men's soccer team came to an end in the NCAA Tournament Second Round on Sunday, November 11, when the Violets finished in a 1-1 tie against host Montclair State University but fell 5-4 in penalty kicks.
Deadlocked after 110 minutes, the Violets (12-4-3) and Red Hawks (17-1-4) settled thing in penalty kicks. NYU ledoff the session and scored in four of the five rounds, but Montclair converted on all five of its attempts with their final shooter, Michael Knapp, finally ending the competition.
"We battled all night long, once again overcoming a deficit and competing until the end," said Head Coach
Kim Wyant. "I couldn't be more proud of the guys and the effort they put forth tonight and all season long."
Montclair State got on the board first in the game when the Red Hawks were awarded a penalty shot in the box just 12:25 into the contest. Rafael Terci converted the shot to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
The Violets' first three shots on goal of the first half were turned aside by Red Hawks' goalkeeper Mike Saalfrank. But, just before the half ended,
Ricardo Mitrano sent a long ball down the left side.
Matteo Russo collected it and fired a shot toward the net, which deflected off a Montclair State defender and snuck past Sallfrank to the near side and knotted the game with just 34 seconds left in the half.
"Our guys always play until the final whistle," Wyant shared. "This was just another example of our resilience. We are a tough team to beat and no matter what we're always in the game."
There were several chances to break the deadlock in the second half, with both Saalfrank and NYU keeper
Grant Engel turning away everything they faced. NYU had the final opportunity to score, but
Oliver Kleban's point-blank shot was corralled by Saalfrank with only 31 seconds remaining.
There wasn't much offense in the first overtime, with the only shot on goal being taken by Terci. Engel collected it with 1:27 left.
The pace picked up in the second overtime as both teams looked to end the affair. The Violets got off five shots with one landing on net, while Engel turned aside the one shot Montclair State managed. But, neither team could tickle the twines and for the second consecutive night NYU headed for penalty kicks to decide the contest.
This time, unlike the Violets' opening-round PK win, NYU fell just a bit short.
In the final game of his NYU career, Engel finished with a season-high 10 saves. Over their last 12 games, NYU did not allow more than one goal in any contest.
"This program has taken a massive step this season. We have poured a great foundation," Wyant explained. "The many seniors who have helped build us up will be missed. But, they've set phenomenal examples for our younger players who now know what it takes to win and be successful."
The 2018 season is officially over. But, the trajectory of the program seems to be just beginning.
