Diaz Pots OT Winner in Gary Smith Invitational Opener

Patchogue, NY| Carlos Diaz propelled the St. Joseph's College (L.I) men's soccer team to its first win of the 2015 season on Saturday afternoon, scoring the overtime winner in the 97th minute of the opening match of the Gary Smith Invitational against Randolph-Macon University. With the win, the Golden Eagles improve to 1-3 on the season, while the Yellow Jackets fall to 1-2.

In search of their first win in the tournament's history, the Golden Eagles generated seven of the game's first eight shots through the first 24 minutes of the match before senior Alex Guadagno tallied the opening goal in the 27th minute. Diaz, streaking down the left side, provided a cross into the box, which Guadagno headed home for his second goal of the season.

The Yellow Jackets would record the final two shots of the first half, but the Golden Eagles held the steep 9-4 advantage overall. Randolph-Macon, though, won more corners (4-3) than the hosts.

After the break, the Yellow Jackets came out flying, applying pressure from the opening whistle. Their breakthrough would come in the 56th minute off the foot of freshman Diego Tacaraya, who took a pass from Greg Noordanus in the box and swept it past SJC keeper Avery Gomez.

Randolph-Macon continued to carry the play for the remainder of the half, outshooting St. Joseph's 15-2 in total through the second frame. The Yellow Jackets also earned four corners to the Golden Eagles' one. Though they had chances to take the lead, Randolph-Macon was turned away numerous times by Gomez, who made nine saves in regulation.

One minute into overtime, the Golden Eagles notched a winner off of a corner, but the goal was called back due to offside. Despite the setback, St. Joseph's would find the winner in the 97th minute, when Diaz pounced on a loose ball in the box following a poor cross from the right side. Diaz, with all kinds of space, cooly slotted the ball into the open net, ensuring the Golden Eagles would capture their first victory of the season.

In the midfield, Dan Cheeseman was strong again, as was Gaetano Innamorato. Brian O'Sullivan and Cody Kull were strong at the back despite a nervy second half.

Diaz's goal and assist were the first two points of his collegiate career. The winger went pointless in eight appearances last season. Gomez's nine saves were a season-high.

In the other match of the afternoon, Stevenson University earned a 4-2 victory over FDU-Florham despite being severely outshot. SJC will face Stevenson tomorrow at 2:00 PM in day two of the Gary Smith Invitational, with FDU and Randolph-Macon opening the afternoon at 12:00 PM.