HOBOKEN, N.J. (Nov. 5, 2022) – The Stevens Institute of Technology men's soccer team won their second-straight MAC Freedom Championship in dramatic fashion, defeating Lycoming College in penalty kicks at home. The game was a scoreless draw after 110 minutes and senior goalkeeper
Justin Cross was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
Both defenses were stout in regulation and each team struggled to create offensive opportunities in the opponent's end. The Ducks and the Warriors each placed just one shot on goal in the first 90 minutes of the game and Stevens held the overall advantage in shots at 9-6. After a quiet first half, the pressure and competition ramped up in the second. Two Lycoming players received yellow cards in the 58th and 68th minutes and then senior
Jake Jacquemot received a yellow card in the 86th minute. Despite increased frustrations, neither team could break through and the contest went to overtime.
In overtime, Stevens controlled the play, but Lycoming goalkeeper Nick Wilke was up to the task and made two saves in the final 20 minutes of action. The Ducks outshot the Warriors 6-1 in overtime and earned the only corner kick opportunity of overtime, but it was not enough and the game went to penalty kicks.
Cross was the star of the penalty kick shootout for the Ducks. He made saves on the first and third shots to help secure the win and senior
Gareth Maritz buried the fourth and final opportunity for Stevens to secure the MAC Freedom Title. Sophomore
Luca Campbell, sophomore
Emerico Vespucci and junior
Fritz Kabeiseman also scored in the shootout.
The Ducks secured an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament with the win and remained undefeated on the season with a 15-0-3 record. Lycoming finished their tournament run with a 10-4-7 overall record.
Inside the Numbers
- Cross made two saves and earned his 10th solo shutout of the season. The Ducks allowed just one goal in conference play all season.
- Stevens has not lost a game in regulation or overtime since Oct. 16, 2021.
- The Ducks are 2-0-1 in their last three games against Lycoming and defeated the Warriors 2-0 in regular season play.
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Stevens earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament with the win. Their opening round opponent
