Brito’s goal sends Stevens over Middlebury in NCAA opening round
Charles O'Brien
CORTLAND, N.Y. (November 11, 2017) – Freshman Kevin Brito converted a penalty kick in the 89th minute to send the Stevens Institute of Technology men's soccer team on to the second round of the 2017 NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Championship with a 1-0 victory Saturday over Middlebury College.
In the first meeting between the teams since 2008, the teams were deadlocked in a scoreless tie on a frigid and slightly snowy Cortland pitch with each team's defense taking center stage. The team's combined for just 13 shots leading up to the game-deciding play.
With just over two minutes remaining in regulation, Stevens turned over Middlebury in the Panthers' attack third. After a long ball was played through midfield, a pair of touch passes led to a shot attempt by junior Andrew Masur. The Bridgewater, New Jersey native wound up and struck the ball with his right foot, aiming towards the left post. In attempting to block Masur's shot, a Middlebury was caught slightly out of position and lunged left with his body, but deflected the ball with hand and Stevens was awarded a penalty shot.
Middlebury would plead its case to the official to no avail. Brito placed the mall on the mark, took five steps backwards and two steps to his left and upon receiving the go-ahead, ran and struck the ball with his left foot right into the middle of the net. Middlebury goalkeeper Jeremy Yeager guessed incorrectly and was unable to make the save.
Middlebury had one last attempt to force overtime, but Drew Goulart's corner kick in the 90th minute was punched out of danger and cleared away to send Stevens on to the next round.
Junior goalkeeper Aaron Henry made four saves in earning his eighth clean sheet of the season. In earning his 12th victory of the year, the Fayetteville, Arkansas native extended his shutout streak to 327:49. Stevens improved to 12-6-2.
Goulart led all players with four shots as Middlebury fell to 12-7.
Inside the Numbers
- With the victory, Stevens has now earned at least one win on 12 of its 15 NCAA Tournament appearances.
- Middlebury held a 9-6 edge in shots and a 4-2 advantage in shots on goal. The Panthers held the Ducks to just one shot over the game's first 45 minutes. Stevens held Middlebury to just two shots over the final 45, continuing a trend from the regular season.
- Stevens improved its record in one-goal matches to 6-4.
- Brito's goal was his third of the season and snapped a 19-match goalless streak. Brito registered both of Stevens' shots on net.
- The teams combined for 32 fouls and two yellow cards.
- Middlebury earned four corner kicks to Stevens' two.
From the Sidelines
- "Very excited for the guys to win this game against a very tough opponent."
- "Credit to Middlebury. They dominated large moments of the game, but our guys continued to battle and kept themselves in the game."
Up Next
- Stevens will take on hosting No. 15 SUNY Cortland for the right to advance out of the Cortland regional. The winner will advance to next weekend's third round.
- Stevens won the only matchup between the programs, 2-0, on September 3, 2004.