Cesario’s head, Henry’s hands, send Men’s Soccer on to the Sweet 16

Cesario’s head, Henry’s hands, send Men’s Soccer on to the Sweet 16

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Charles O'Brien

CORTLAND, N.Y. (November 12, 2017)  – Junior Chris Cesario headed in the game-winning goal with 55 seconds remaining, junior Aaron Henry made a leaping save with three seconds to play, and the Stevens Institute of Technology men's soccer team moved on to the 2017 NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Championship's Sweet 16, with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over No. 15 SUNY Cortland Sunday.

With under a minute to play in regulation and the teams knotted at one, freshman Cristiano Hocken played a crossing ball from the left side and Cesario deftly headed the ball inside the right post, well past a diving Connor Young for the game-winning score. It was Stevens' third game-winning goal in the final two minutes in its last four matches and second in as many days. The Ducks improved to 13-6-2 on the year and reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2012 and the eighth time in program history,

After a scoreless first half where the teams combined for eight shots, but lacked a true, quality scoring chance, Cortland's Dan Figarella broke through in the 68th minute, beating Henry on a free kick from 31 yards out. The marker would snap Henry's scoreless streak at 395:11. Henry made four saves on the afternoon, including a deflection of Miguel Tunas' 33-yard free kick as time expired.

Hocken knotted the game at one in the 76th minute. The New Providence, New Jersey native one-touched a Tommy Dorsay pass into the net for his fourth goal of the season.

Figarella led all players with six shots, including two shots on goal. Cortland fell to 16-4. It was the first meeting between the programs in 13 years. Stevens defeated the Red Dragons 2-0, on Sept. 3, 2004. It was Stevens' first win over a ranked opponent since downing then-No. 15 Muhlenberg College on Sept. 13, 2015.

Inside the Numbers
  • The teams combined for 25 shots, including 17 in the second half. Cortland held a 15-10 edge in shots, including a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal.
  • The teams combined for 35 fouls and five yellow cards.
  • Junior Andrew Masur and freshman Kevin Brito each recorded two shots to pace Stevens. 
  • Dorsay's assist was the first point of the season for the South Brunswick, New Jersey native. The senior finished third on the team in points as a junior.
  • Cesario's tally snapped a 13-match scoreless streak. 
  • Hocken recorded a goal and an assist in the same game for the first time in his career.
  • Each team earned two corners.

From the Sidelines
  • "Incredible performance full of heart and grit. This group never gives up."
  • "Excited to get the program back to this national level."
  • "The final minute felt like an eternity. The subs gave us the energy to finish the job."

Up Next
Stevens will await its third round matchup, with other results yet to be determined. The time, date and opponent of the Sweet 16 matchup will be announced when available.