Men's Soccer Fall in Overtime, 2-1 to Norwich

NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich Cadets overcame the Suffolk University Rams in overtime on Saturday at Howard Field, as freshman William Flanagan netted the game-winning goal for a 2-1 victory just five minutes into the first set of extra time.

Prior to the start of the game, the Cadets recognized their two seniors who would be playing in their last regular season contest on Howard Field this afternoon: team captains Roger Motaze and Mike Lee.

Suffolk (8-7-1, 5-3-1 GNAC) took a one-goal lead when sophomore Ben Rollins netted his sixth goal of the season to put the Rams on the board just before the end of the first half.

Norwich (9-6-1, 6-3 GNAC) worked to even the score for the majority of the second half. In the 80th minute, sophomore Garrett Shufelt found footing on a loose ball from a corner kick play to shoot a bomb into the back of the net, tying the game at 1-all and forcing overtime.

Freshman Alex Toomey held his ground in net with five saves for the Cadets, as Rams freshman Matt Esposito made three saves during the contest. Neither goalie recorded a save in overtime.

Less than five minutes into extra time, neither team had found themselves in a goal-scoring opportunity, nor had either team been able to manage to get a shot off. All it took, however was sophomore Mike Ravenelle finding Flanagan in front of the net for the Cadets to earn a chance on net. Flanagan connected with the pass, serving a beautiful header into the net, out of Esposito's reach for the game-winning goal.

The Rams will open up the GNAC Playoffs this Saturday. Pairing will be announced later in the week.

(Game Story courtesy of Nowich Sports Information)