Toms River, NJ - The (#8) Ocean County College Vikings men's soccer team fell to #1-seeded defending NJCAA D-III Champion Richland College by a final score of 2-1 today. The Vikings (9-9-2) headed into the match having played their last two matches into overtime, winning both in penalty kick rounds. With a scoreless tie 60 minutes into this contest, it seemed as if this match was headed in the same direction, until Ocean's Chandler Gibbons scored with a header (assisted by Doug Jensen) at 63:30 in the second half that ignited the crowd at tournament host Herkimer College. The Vikings maintained their 1-goal lead until with just three minutes left in regulation, Richland's Gustavo Lopez launched the equalizer, sending Ocean into their third straight overtime game of the postseason. With 20 seconds remaining in the golden goal period, Richland's James Sasay converted a pass from Mateo Gutierrez to send Richland to the National Semifinals. The Vikings performed outstandingly all match on the defensive side of the ball, with goalkeeper Robert Andrade making 13 thrilling saves on the day.
The Vikings return to the pitch for the tournament consolation round on Friday, November 10, when they take on Boston, MA's Bunker Hill Community College in an 11 a.m. matchup.