The Owls were edged in penalty kicks by Southern New Hampshire in first round NCAA action.
Men's Soccer Tipped In Penalty Kicks In NCAA Opener
11/12/2009 7:35:17 PM
Box Score
MANCHESTER, N.H. - One hundred and ten minutes of action wasn't enough time to determine a winner of Thursday's first round NCAA Tournament game between Southern Connecticut State University and No. 25 nationally ranked Southern New Hampshire. As a result, the match went to penalty kicks, where the host Penmen registered a 4-3 win. The Owls' season concludes at 14-5-2 with the draw.
The first 45 minutes of action primarily took place in the middle of the field, leading to a scoreless opening stanza. Southern New Hampshire controlled much of the possession, however the best scoring chance was produced by the Owls’ offense. Freshman Seth Ragaini (Seymour, Conn.) whipped a cross into the middle of the penalty area to a slashing Victor Hernandez (Rye Brook, N.Y.). Hernandez’s shot sailed just over the crossbar and out of bounds for a Penmen goal kick.
After the intermission, the next 65 minutes featured much of the same as the first half. The Penmen grasped a 12-2 shots advantage but neither squad found the back of the net. The final whistle sounded after the second overtime, indicating that the two squads would need penalty kicks to decide the NCAA East Region’s first round game.
Sophomore Paul Templeton (Saltcoats, Scotland) put the Owls on the board after he buried the first shot of the shootout. Unfortunately, Penmen goalkeeper Joey Kapinos made saves on the second and fifth attempts, putting an end to yet another solid campaign by coach Tom Lang and the Owls.
Junior Chris Rybacki registered eight saves in his second draw of the season, while Kapinos recorded one save for the hosting Penmen.