KINGS POINT, NY - One year ago, the Maritime College men's soccer season ended in disappointing fashion as they fell at home to the United States Merchant Marine Academy in the Skyline Conference semifinals, but on Saturday afternoon they avenged that loss with a double overtime 3-2 victory on the road in the first round of the playoffs. After a goal from Larry Castello (Hauppauge, N.Y./Hauppauge) tied the game at 2-2 with less than two minutes left in regulation, Frank Schmidt (Massapequa Park, N.Y./Massapequa) won the game with a header for the sixth-seeded Privateers in the second overtime period.

In the opening period, the Mariners were able to get on the board first as Maritime fouled them inside the box and gave up a penalty kick goal in the 18th minute. The Privateers responded strongly on offense though, and after multiple shot attempts they finally broke through in the 33rd minute. Justin Forrest (Lusby, Md./Patuxent) stepped up for a long throw in and rifled the ball past the entire defense where Doga Sisman () was waiting for it by the far post. Sisman put the shot away and knotted the game at 1-1.

The second half saw physical, back-and-forth play from both sides, but with ten minutes left to play USMMA pulled away and took a 2-1 advantage. Although it was looking bleak for the Privateers, they continued to put the pressure on and they were able to tie the game at 2-2 with less than two minutes left to play. For the second time in the game, a Forrest throw-in played a major role in the goal as the goalkeeper punched away his throw in and chased after the ball, however, Larry Castello (Hauppauge, N.Y./Hauppauge) beat him there and took the shot on a nearly empty net with 1:07 left in regulation.

With all signs pointing towards an overtime game, Anthony Sblendorio (Bay Shore, N.Y./Bay Shore) nearly ended the game with three seconds left as the Mariners needed a diving save from their goalie to force overtime.

After an uneventful first overtime period for the Privateers, they got another opportunity at a Forrest throw-in with three minutes left to play before a penalty shootout. Forrest came up clutch with a big throw-in that made it's way to the front of the goal, which allowed Schmidt to fly in and put away a header to win the game for Maritime. Michael Rodriguez (Wappingers Falls, N.Y./Roy C. Ketcham) got the win in goal for the Privateers with one save.

To see the full post-game press conference from both teams courtesy of the USMMA Sports Information Department, click below!