Second-Half Comeback Propels No. 24 Men's Soccer Past Stonehill, 2-1, in NE-10 Quarterfinals
Links: Box Score | Tony Martone Interview
EASTON, Mass. – The nationally ranked Merrimack College men's soccer team defeated the fourth-seeded Stonehill College Skyhawks, 2-1, in the Northeast-10 Quarterfinals on Tuesday afternoon.
The Basics
Score: Merrimack 2 | Stonehill 1
Records: Merrimack (13-3-2, 8-3-2 NE-10) | Stonehill (11-6-1, 9-4-0 NE-10)
Location: Skyhawks Field | Easton, Mass.
What They Said
Head coach Tony Martone, "This was a very difficult Stonehill team to play against, and I'm extremely proud with how the guys competed to come away with the win. We made some adjustments in the second half that led to some goals, and the guys were able to play our style in a difficult environment to get the win."
How It Happened
The quarterfinal matchup pitted the fifth-seeded Warriors against the fourth-seeded Skyhawks. In the first meeting between the two programs, Merrimack defeated Stonehill, 3-0, in a regular-season contest played in North Andover.
The game was physical throughout, as the Skyhawks picked up 11 first-half fouls compared to the Warriors' two. Merrimack outshot Stonehill, 9-4, over the first 45 minutes.
Late in the first half, the Skyhawks capitalized on a free-kick opportunity courtesy of a Warriors infraction. Defender Ben Zandonella whipped the ball into the box from nearly 50 yards away, allowing Merrimack's senior goalkeeper Jose Silva (Northborough, Mass.) to make a play on the cross. Silva appeared to initially catch the ball, but it was knocked out of his hands and rolled into the back of the net. The strike was deemed an own goal, and the Warriors entered the half down by one.
Martone made some adjustments heading into the second half, moving midfielder Michael Rincon (Medford, Mass.) to the right flank, which payed dividends.
In the 58th minute, Rincon made a run down the right side, and sent a cross towards the far post. Freshman Juan Meza (Cali, Colombia) connected on a volleyed attempt to tie the score at 1-1.
Three minutes later, Rincon made a similar play. He dashed down the right side, crossing the ball towards Skyhawks' keeper Luke Beese. The ball was punched away by Besse, but it went right to junior Augusto Silva (Hudson, Mass.) who smacked the ball into the open net to give the Navy and Gold its first lead of the afternoon.
The postseason matchup became increasingly physical, as four cards were handed out over the final 40 minutes. The biggest blow came to the Warriors in the 85th minute, as sophomore Ryan Wine (New Braintree, Mass.) was booked for a red card and was ejected from the contest.
Jose Silva totaled two saves, including one in the 89th minute, to preserve the victory for Merrimack.
Inside The Numbers
- Rincon's two assists were his ninth and 10th of the season. He is tied for the team lead in points (16) and leads the NE-10 in helpers.
- Augusto Silva's goal breaks a three-way tie for first on the team. He now has six on the season and is tied for the team lead in points with Rincon (6g, 4a)
- Wine's red card will force him to miss the NE-10 Semifinals on Friday
Up Next
The Warriors play either top-seeded Southern New Hampshire or No. 8 American International on Friday in the NE-10 Semifinals.
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