New England College Captures 2016 NAC Men's Soccer Title in Shootout
New England College Captures 2016 NAC Men's Soccer Title in Shootout
For the Interactive Tournament Bracket - click HERE.
For the Printable (PDF) Tournament Bracket - click HERE.
The six seeded New England College Pilgrims upset the top-ranked Thomas College Terriers in a penalty kick shootout, 4-2, for the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Men's Soccer Championship on Saturday afternoon, following a 0-0 score after regulation and two overtimes.
In the shootout loss, the Terriers finish their 2016 season at 12-4-2 while the Pilgrims move on to the NCAA Division III Tournament.
In the 15th minute, the Terriers had their first opportunity as Tevin Reid had a shot ring off of the cross bar. Adam LaBrie followed up with a header and Pilgrim keeper Maxime Danis made a save to keep the game scoreless.
LaBrie came in alone for another chance in the 48th minute and once again Danis stood tall, keeping the game even. The Pilgrims had an opportunity in the 79th as Michael Skarbelis headed the ball towards an empty net. Terrier defender Zeon Robinson was on the goal line to head the ball away.
In the 99th minute of overtime, a crossing pass found the head of Willie Clemons, diving out to his left was Danis to make the save to keep his team alive.
The game could not be settled in regulation and two overtimes, sending the match into penalty kicks. In the opening round both keepers came up big, making a save each. The Pilgrims scored on their next four opportunities while Thomas only netted two. The shootout winner came from Conor Douglass to give the Pilgrims the NAC Title.
Junior Drew Martin turned aside all six shots in goal for the Terriers, while Danis made ten saves for the Pilgrims. Thomas outshot New England College 24-18 and held a 10-3 advantage in corners.
2016 NAC All-Tournament Team
MVP - Michael Skarbelis, New England College
New England College: Maxime Danis, Rizy Misiri, Ronsard Masamba, and Siad Hajir
Thomas: Adam LaBrie, Willie Clemons, and London Steede-Jackson
Husson: Cody Gross and Josh Bean
Castleton: Sawyer Shane and Cameron Rossi-Crete
--Courtesy of Thomas Sports Information
2016 NAC MEN'S SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
All start times and dates are subject to change
Quarterfinals • Saturday, October 29
No. 6 New England College 2, No. 3 Colby-Sawyer 1 - Boxscore
No. 4 Husson 1, No. 5 Maine Maritime 0 - Boxscore
Semifinals • Tuesday, November 1
No. 1 Thomas 3, No. 4 Husson 2 (OT) - Boxscore
No. 6 New England College 2, No. 2 Castleton 1 - Boxscore
Championship • Saturday, November 5
No. 6 New England College 0, No. 1 Thomas 0 (2OT) *Pilgrims earn title on 4-2 PK advantage - Boxscore
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