The New York University men's soccer team hosted the University of Chicago in a battle for first place in the University Athletic Association UAA) on Sunday, October 20, at Gaelic Park in Riverdale, NY.
And, in a game which remained scoreless for more than 106 minutes, Chicago's Jorge Branco took a pass from Kameron Bloye and lifted it into the upper right corner of the net with 3:15 remaining in the second overtime to send the Maroons home a winner.
Both teams were undefeated in the UAA heading into Sunday's matchup. The Violets (6-5-1, 3-1) entered the contest on a six-game winning streak, while the Maroons (8-1-4, 4-0), ranked #5 in the nation in the latest United Soccer Coaches Poll, had lost only one game this season.
NYU carried the play throughout much of the scoreless first half, outshooting Chicago 7-4 overall and 5-2 in shots on goal. However, Maroons' goalkeeper Aaron Katsimpalis made several outstanding saves to keep the Violets at bay.
The teams continued to go at each other in the second half as the rain got heavier and the field slicker. Both teams again had chances to break the deadlock, but Katsimpalis and the Violets' keeper,
Luca Mancuso (Miami, FL/Montverde Academy), remained impenetrable.
It stayed tied through through the first overtime as each goalkeeper was forced to make one save. But, Chicago was able to net the game-winner in the waning moments.
Mancuso finished the game with six saves, while Katsimpalis had eight.
Prior to the game, NYU celebrated Senior Day in honor of its four graduating players:
Ben Green (London, United Kingdom/Campbell Hall),
Sergio Monton (Madrid, Spain/Fundacion Fomento),
Matteo Schlitz (Washington, D.C./Washington International School), and
Owen Smith (Laguna Beach, CA/St. Margaret's Episcopal School).
The Violets play their final non-conference game of the season on Saturday, October 26, when they travel to Newburgh, NY, and face Mount St. Mary College at 1:00pm.
For more statistical information on today's game, please take a look at the
box score.
