Box Score ACPHS Men's Soccer won the 2017 HVIAC Tournament last Sunday, defeating SUNY-ESF 2-0 in a penalty shootout. The game will count as a tie, but the Panthers were awarded the automatic bid to USCAA Nationals in Virginia Beach, VA.
SUNY-ESF had the first chance of the game, when ACPHS sophomore
Andrew Lynch (Colchester, VT / Colchester) brought down Mighty Oak forward Joseph Kulikowski just outside the box, a challenge he was shown a yellow for. The ensuing free kick was taken by SUNY-ESF's Chris Lawrence who skidded a shot along the wet ground that senior goalie
Matt Houlihan (Levittown, NY / Kellenberg Memorial High School) parried just wide of the post for his first save of the day.
ACPHS created a good look at goal in the in the 25
th minute, when sophomore
Noah Keith (Rotterdam, NY / CBA) floated a free kick to senior
Jack Hanlon (Guilderland, NY / Guilderland High School). Hanlon beat his defender and had a chance to steer a header on net, but he misjudged his jump and could not make contact with the ball.
Following the ACPHS chance, Houlihan was forced into making three saves to keep the game scoreless, as the Mighty Oaks created plenty of chances but could not break through for the opening goal. The teams went into the break scoreless, with ESF leading in shots 11-3.
The 2
nd half opened up with two quick chances for the Panthers, but both were saved by Mighty Oaks keeper Carmine Tronolone. Neither team was able to breakthrough in the 45 minutes that followed, which sent the game to overtime. In overtime, the teams combined for just two attempts, and the championship would be decided by penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Houlihan took over. SUNY-ESF missed all four of their penalties, three of which were saved by Houlihan on his way to being named tournament MVP. Houlihan was mobbed by his teammates in goal after he personally booked the Panther's ticket to USCAA Nationals.
Albany will open up Nationals with a matchup against #2 seed University of Maine at Fort Kent on Friday, November 10
th at 4:45pm.
