Men's Soccer Tops Purchase in Overtime Thriller

Patchogue, NY| Justin Gracia scored 4:49 into the second overtime period to lift the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) men's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over SUNY Purchase at Danzi Stadium on Tuesday evening.

With the win, the Golden Eagles improve to 2-2-1 overall on the year and 1-1-1 in Skyline Conference play as the Panthers slip to 2-3-0 and 0-2-0.

Gracia's goal came after a broken play in the Purchase box in which the forward pounced on a loose ball and beat keeper Travis Stella, who was out of position. 

The Panthers went ahead in the 23 minute via an SJC own goal, but less than two minutes later Sebastiano Bartolotta brought the match level. The midfielder found the ball at his feet at the top of the Purchase box following an SJC corner and made no mistake, beating the keeper on his left. 

St. Joseph's had four shots in the first overtime half but could not find a winner until midway through the second. In total, SJC outshot Purchase 19-13 and drew 23 fouls.

Senior keeper Tyler Flaherty made eight saves and picked up his second win of the season.

The Golden Eagles return to action on Friday, October 1, when they visit SUNY Maritime for a Skyline Conference contest at 7:30 pm.