The Maritime College men's soccer team suffered a tough 2-1 loss to USMMA in the Skyline Conference semi-finals on Wednesday night. Although the Privateers are still eligible for an ECAC bid, the loss was a devastating end to a historic season. Maritime set a new program record for wins in a season, shutouts, and assists.
In the regular season matchup, the Privateers struck first and took a 2-0 lead, before ultimately taking home a crucial 2-1 conference win. However, the Mariners struck first in the playoff matchup with a goal in the 10th minute off a corner kick. A header inside the six created a lot of traffic, but the ball found the foot of Alex Madonna, who was able to power it through for a goal. The corner kick and shot was the first look at a goal USMMA had in the contest, as the Privateers were dominating play early on with three shots and three corner kicks prior.
Despite the unlucky start, Maritime was able to bounce back just four minutes later behind senior midfielder
Parker Gallt (Las Vegas, Nev./Plainfield South (Ill.)). Gallt took a pass through traffic from
Anthony Sblendorio (Bay Shore, N.Y./Bay Shore) and sent a shot over the goalies head from thirty yards out.
"I knew the wind was pushing to the right," said Gallt. "I just tried to hit it with the outside of my foot and it went over the keeper and it was one of the happiest moments of my career. But it's a shame it ended how it did."
The Privateers continued to see more opportunities throughout the first half, but the Mariners defense was able to keep the ball out of the net. A fast break opportunity from
Christopher Tavernese (Garden City, N.Y./Garden City) was denied by a fantastic defensive save by Luke Sturtz in the 17th minute, and Maritime managed four more shots before the end of the half, but went into the locker room with a 1-1 tie.
Similar to the start of the game, USMMA got on the board early. The Mariners took a 2-1 lead in the 54th minute and never looked back. The momentum of the game had firmly shifted in their favor and the Privateers continued to press offensively, but couldn't come up with a good look at evening the game.
Gallt's goal marked his 10th of the season, as he has solidified himself in the record books as second all-time in goals scored, assists, and points. "Parker, for me, is without a doubt the best soccer player to come through Maritime," said coach Gwyther. "His leadership, his quality, he can always be counted on as a captain. I'm extremely grateful to have him for four years and hopefully a little longer, I'd like him to get some hardware under his belt."
The Privateers will find out if they earned an ECAC bid following the NCAA selection show on Monday, Nov. 5. Check out post-game press conferences from both teams below.
