Brockport Sports Information Department
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - The College at Brockport men's soccer team fell to the No. 9 nationally ranked University of Rochester Sunday night, by a score of 2-0. With the loss, the Golden Eagles have been eliminated from the 2018 NCAA Tournament. The Green and Gold finish the year with an overall record of 16-5-2. The 16 wins in 2018 have put them in a two-way tie as the most winningest team in Brockport men's soccer history.
The two teams played an extremely fast-paced brand of soccer in the first half with Rochester barely outshooting the Golden Eagles, 7-4. Despite the Yellow Jackets best efforts, Brockport's goalkeeper Joseph Romano turned away every shot that was thrown at him. The Golden Eagles looked like they would take the lead at 28:58 of the game, when a corner kick opportunity resulted in a diving header by Matheus Oliveira, the shot hit the crossbar and bounced high. Jason Hayes found an opportunity of his own minutes later, beating a Rochester defender and wiring a shot off the goalie's chest.
"I thought we played really well towards the end of the first half and we had some great opportunities to score," said head coach Gary LaPietra
The Yellow Jackets struck first in the second half, scoring the first goal of the game at 65:43 on a lofted through ball that was volleyed past Romano. The Golden Eagles showed no let-up following the goal, as they drove down the field and found Matthew Stefaniw, who put a shot on net, forcing the Rochester goalie to make a save. The Yellow Jackets extended their lead at 73:55 of the game, finishing a rebound that squirted past the Brockport defenders. The Golden Eagles continued to pour on the pressure until the final whistle but would inevitably come up short.
"I told the guys I don't want anyone hanging their head, they played a great historical season, 16 wins, SUNYAC champions, beating St. Lawrence last night," said LaPietra "Were going to miss our Seniors they've left a legacy for the rest of the guys to follow, we've got a great future ahead of us."