Senior Nate Sampson helped keep the No. 13 ranked Emory University men's soccer team alive in the University Athletic Association title chase, leading the Eagles to a 2-1 overtime win over first-place No. 15 New York University Sunday afternoon at Gaelic Park in Riverdale, NY.
With the win, Emory (9-2-4, 3-1-2 UAA) can still clinch a share of the UAA championship with one game remaining. The Eagles need a win at Rochester (8-3-4, 2-3-1) next Saturday, November 6th, as well as a tie between first and second place WashU (11-2-1, 4-1-1) and UChicago (12-4-1, 4-2) and a NYU (10-4-1. 4-2) loss or tie against Brandeis (5-7-3, 2-2-2) to clinch a share of the UAA title for the first time since 2012.
After falling in overtime to the Judges Friday night, the Eagles had a reversal of fortune in the Bronx on Sunday as Sampson scored twice including the game-winner with 42 seconds left in the first overtime period.
A foul just outside the box set up a straight-on free kick opportunity for the Milwaukee, WI native. Sampson put a good strike on the ball as his kick went off the lunging keeper's outstretched hands as well as off the post and into the back of the net to give Emory the win to conclude the weekend road trip.
The two goals marked Sampson's first brace of the season and moved him into the team lead with three game-winning goals.
Sampson put the Eagles ahead midway through the second half as he scored off a Max Mehlman assist in the 58th minute, breaking a scoreless tie.
The Violets threatened with a good-looking chance in the 74th minute as Talal Said put a shot on frame. However, senior Josh Berman made an incredible sliding save to prevent the ball from going into the empty net.
NYU eventually found the equalizer though with 4:22 left to play in regulation as Daniel Comas-Sanchez scored off the Alex Rovirosa-Illa assist.
Emory was held without a shot in overtime until Sampson's winning strike sent the Eagles bench into celebration. For the game, NYU owned a 22-9 advantage in total shots, however the teams were even with seven shots on goal. Senior Jack Hudson tallied six saves in the win with four saves coming in the second half and overtime periods.
Next Saturday's season finale at Rochester is scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM.