Centre Men's Soccer saw its season come to an end on Friday night as the Colonels were ousted from the SAA Tournament by host Southwestern, 3-1.
Martin Cortez got the start for the Colonels and was tested early and often by the Pirates, having to record a save in the opening minute and another in the 7th. Centre's first chance came from
Zeke Saviello in the 12th minute with the shot going wide. Southwestern's pressure kept coming and paid off with a goal in the 18th minute to grab the early edge. Centre's offense struggled to manufacture as the Pirates kept charging. The host school added a 2nd goal in the 31st minute to double its lead going to halftime. Southwestern outshot Centre 11-2 in the half with Cortez stopping 3 of 5 on goal.
The Colonels got their offense going early in the 2nd half.
Jason Weisheit,
Ryan O'Hara and
Amit Shahar all had viable scoring chances inside the first 9 minutes but were denied at the doorstep each time. A bit of bad luck cost the Colonels in the 68th minute as a strike from O'Hara beat the Pirate goalkeeper, but the ball clanged off the post and was cleared out. With time slipping away, Centre had to move its back line higher and Southwestern took advantage in the 79th minute with another score to take a 3-0 lead, essentially ending any hope for the Colonels. Centre did manage to get on the board in the 87th minute as
AJ Daniels found the net from
Jacob Tyler as the Colonels saw their bid for the SAA championship game come to an end.
Total shots wound up even at 17 apiece with Southwestern holding a 7-6 edge on goal. Centre also worked up 5 corners in the 2nd half while trying to mount the rally.
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