From Brandeis University Athletics
The Brandeis University men's soccer team used a dramatic goal, scoring with less than a minute to go in regulation, to defeat visiting Thomas College, 2-1, in the opening round of the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament on Gordon Field. With the win, the Judges advance to tomorrow's second round, where they will meet the winner of the evening's second game between RPI and Stevens Institute of Technology.
With the win, Brandeis improves to 17-2-1 on the season. The Judges are ranked No. 3 in Division 3 by the NSCAA and No. 5 by D3soccer.com. Thomas closes its season at 13-5-1.
The winning goal came off the foot of junior midfielder Josh Ocel (North Attleboro, Mass./Worcester Academy). Ocel received a free kick from midfield off the foot of Conor Lanahan(Suffield, Conn./Suffield) about 35 yards away from the goal. Ocel launched a rocket into the right side past a diving Thomas goalkeeper to give Brandeis the game-winner with just 42.6 seconds left in regulation. The goal was reminiscent of one scored by his brother, Sam, in the second round of the tournament in 2012, one that beat the clock against Vassar College with 29.4 seconds left.
Brandeis had to come from behind to win for only the second time this season, as Thomas struck for an early goal. Terrier rookie D.J. Nicholas (Portland, Maine/North Yarmouth Acad.) sent a terrific through ball on a counter-attack that was slotted home by sophomore midfielder Willie Clemons (Paget, Bermuda/Warwick Acad.) at the 13:26 mark. Clemons' goal was his ninth of the season.
The Judges answered just over 10 minutes later at the 23:47 mark. Rookie Josh Handler (Oakdale, Conn./Montville) made a terrific cross from the right sideline to sophomore Patrick Flahive (Glenwood, Ill./Worcester Acad.). Flahive headed it past a charging netminder for his third of the year.
Brandeis controlled the stats in the first half, outshooting Thomas, 16-2, and taking eight of the nine corners. The Judges also were handed a golden opportunity when the Terriers were sent down to 10 men in the 32nd minute after receiving a red card, but the visitors hung tough. Terrier junior Joakim Sternas (Stockholm, Sweden/Bromma Gymnasium) gave his team a chance by making seven of his 10 saves after his side was rendered shorthanded.
The Brandeis defense was stellar, as the Judges ended the game with a 33-5 edge in shots, 12-0 in shots on goal. Brandeis also had a 15-3 advantage in corner kicks. With the win, Brandeis improves to 15-0 this season in games decided by one goal. Brandeis is looking to advance to the Sweet 16 for the fourth year in a row.