Mariners Clinch Post-Season Berth With Overtime Win

KINGS POINT, N.Y. - The United States Merchant Marine Academy soccer team clinched a berth in the Landmark Conference Tournament with a 4-3 double overtime win over Drew. Junior Chris Flanagan recorded two assists and an overtime goal to guarantee the Mariners a home game in the Landmark Conference Tournament. The victory also gives USMMA 17 straight winning seasons with 10 or more victories.  

USMMA improves to 10-5 overall, 5-1 in Landmark Conference action. Drew falls to 7-7 overall, 3-2 in Landmark Conference play.  

"Drew played better in the first half," said Head Coach Michael Smolens. "We were able to get a nice goal at the end of the half to tie it up. In the second half, we played a much stronger game. The conditions of the field were slick, which allowed both teams to convert more opportunities. Both teams were able to knock in some nice goals in the game. Overall, the game was very physical with both teams playing hard. We were just able to finish one more chance than them."

Drew got on the board first in the 6th minute of the game when Jesse Puzio knocked one in on a pass from Greg Zizik. 

The Mariners answered back in the 32nd minute to knot the game at one. Clint Foster received a cross from Flanagan and chipped it over the goalkeeper to go into half time tied at 1-1.  

USMMA started the scoring in the second half when David Poulnot placed a header in the back of the net. Flanagan recorded his second assist of the game when he placed a cross right to Poulnot. With the Mariners up 2-1, the Rangers came back six minutes later to knot the game at 2-2. Zizik scored on a pass from teammate Jim Rossi from about 20 yards out. Will Sprouse put the Mariners back on top, when he netted a penalty kick in the 79th minute of the game.  

Drew kept answered back once again. The Rangers tied the game back up in the 82nd minute when Alex Degernes placed a direct kick from 20 yards out in the upper right corner of the net.   At the end of regulation, the game was tied up at three goals apiece. In the first overtime neither team was able to get many shots off. Finally in the second overtime, Flanagan was able to net the winning goal with 2:05 left. Flanagan received a cross from Kyle Luetjen to lock in the victory.  

"Luetjen worked very hard to get the ball at the end," said Smolens. "He was able to place a low cross from the right side for Flanagan who had a nice shot to knock it in. It's a good thing to clinch a home game for the conference tournament and it would be nice to finish first also."  

Preston Stokes got the start in goal for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, making a career high seven saves on 10 opportunities. Drew's Jeff Rogers made three saves on seven opportunities. 

The Rangers outshot USMMA, 21-18. Drew also held the advantage over the Mariners in corner kicks, 6-3.  

USMMA will return to action on Saturday, October 20th, when they will play host to Juniata. Game time is slated for 12 p.m. at Captain Tomb Field. Saturday will also be Senior Day.