It was surreal. It was unprecedented. It was insane!!!!!!

The New York University Men's Soccer Team pulled out an improbable victory, battling St. Joseph's College of Maine and Mother Nature in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and coming away with a 3-2 overtime victory.

What began on a grass field in sunshine on Saturday, November 13, in New London, CT, ended on a turf field under the lights in the evening. 

"The most epic game I've ever been involved in," said Head Coach Kim Wyant, who by the way is a former member of the United States Women's National Team.

St. Joseph's got off to an early lead with Austin Ward scoring on a free kick just outside of the box at 4:16. Ward doubled the Monks' lead at 17:16 when he scored again on a penalty kick. 

"We really created a hole for ourselves," Wyant said. "We were too nervous at the beginning of the game. Thank goodness we finally settled down." 

The Violets cut their deficit in half when they were awarded a penalty kick, as well, just 10 minutes later (27:40) when Talal Said was taken down in the box. Oliver Kleban converted the kick to put NYU on the scoreboard.

The score remained the same as the game drew toward a supposed-conclusion. However with just over 16 minutes remaining (73:59), play was halted due to lightning in the area and subsequent thunderstorms. By the time the storm had passed, it was too dark to finish the game on Connecticut College's Freeman Field. So, more than three hours later, the game resumed on the College's field hockey field which has lights.

"We went back to our hotel, had dinner, gave them the game plan and returned laser-focused," Wyant revealed. "We were aggressive, we were attacking and we played like we really wanted to win the game."

When play resumed, the Violets faced the 2-1 deficit and potential elimination. But, the team pushed forward.

"We really attacked, pounding the ball into the box," Wyant explained. "We just needed to get the equalizer."

Then, with less than two minutes to go (88:46), Nicholas Suter scored from short range.

"By far the top moment ever in any sports I've ever played," Suter beamed. "Right before the lightning delay I had a chance to tie the game and the goalkeeper made a save on me. I kept replaying that in my mind for the entire three hours and visualizing getting another chance. When we resumed I knew that one of us had to score in order to stay alive." 

"He smashed it into the goal. He was not going to be denied," Wyant added. "All of our pent-up frustration was released on that goal. It was delirium on the sideline." 

The improbable victory was ultimately realized when Arkan Tahsildaroglu broke away from his defender and put a shot into the net at 99:21, sending NYU into the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament.

"Just so proud of the team," Wyant said. "Just an indescribable victory."  

The improbable journey continues when the Violets take on host Connecticut College at 1:30pm on Sunday.