Box Score ARlINGTON, Va. -- The Marymount University men's soccer team advanced to the semifinals of the Atlantic East Conference Tournament in thrilling fashion on Saturday afternoon, as the Saints defeated the Cyclones of Centenary University in penalty kicks at Long Bridge Park.
After the two sides played to a 1-1 deadlock through 110 minutes, the conference rivals took the field for a penalty kick shootout. Both MU and Centenary netted the first three attempts, while Leonardo Torres scored the fourth for Marymount.
Joseph Ertl sent the Cyclones' fourth shot high, which set up junior Derek Rivera for the game-winning chance. The Saints' captain stepped up to the spot, sent Cenetenary's goalkeeper left, and fired a shot into the bottom right corner to send Marymount into the next round of the postseason.
Centenary started the game on the front foot, as the visitors netted a gal via Eric Nugent in the 15th minute. Despite the early deficit, the Saints never wavered, and ended the first half with a 6-3 edge in shots. MU's consistent press in the midfield paid off in the 48th minute.
Nicholas Vigo carried the ball towards the right side of Centenary's 18-yard box. The sophomore spotted a streaking Carlos Varona in the box and whipped a low pass in. Varona put his boot immediately through the ball and found the bottom left corner for the equalizer.
Both overtime periods were relatively even, as MU fired three shots in the first, while Centenary answered with three in the second stanza. The impasse setup the eventual deciding shootout.
In goal, Brian Cruz got the start and made two saves in 110:00 of work. Varona scored his fourth goal of the season, while Vigo was credited with his sixth assist of the season.
Coach's Take
"We showed great determination to level the game in the second half," said Head Coach Nathan Kalin. "It was a very choppy game and to Centenary's credit they disrupted us with a high defensive line and timely fouls. We found a way to get the job done and get the rematch we wanted against Cabrini."
The Saints' postseason continues on Tuesday, November 2, when they head to Radnor, Pennsylvania, to take on top-seeded Cabrini University.
