The Lehman College men’s soccer club team lost its final game of its exhibition season, falling to the New York City College of Technology Yellow Jackets by a score of 3-2 in double overtime Thursday afternoon at the South Field in the Bronx. With the loss, Lehman finished their club season 0-8.
Both teams had numerous chances to score early in the first half, but both squads were unable to score a goal as the contest remainded scoreless in the early stages. 12 minutes into the game, Lehman goaltender Timothy Hamisi fell to the ground after being kneed in the forehead by a Yellow Jackets player. Backup goalkeeper and team captain Ala “Jordan” Salhoobi came in and did a solid job, keeping Lehman in the game and giving the Lightning a chance to win.
Lehman scored its first goal at the 12:43 mark when Daniel Brentuo netted a goal past Yellow Jacket goalie Devon DeGrasse, and the Lightning had a 1-0 lead. City Tech tied things up at the 23:47 mark on a header by Ricardo Barnes. Artur Kostandyan was credited with the assist on the play, and the game was knotted at one. Lehman regained the lead on a free kick at the 27:21 mark as Valon Nikei tallied a goal. At the half, Lehman led the game by a score of 2-1.
The second half got underway and both teams weren’t getting too many opportunities early in the second session. It wasn’t until the 71st minute (70:43) when City Tech tied the game on a twister kick by Hector Martinez, evening the game at two goals apiece. From there, both squads had some chances to pull ahead late in regulation, but the game stayed knotted and teams headed into overtime after 90 grueling minutes of action.
After a scoreless overtime session, the game moved into a second overtime. In the fifth minute of the second overtime, a handball was called on Lehman College, and City Tech’s Noah Miller scored the game winner on a free kick for the Yellow Jackets (104:44). After the game, Lehman College Head Coach Joseph Andre' gave his thoughts on the game and the season.
“It’s a heart breaking loss, we had opportunities to score five goals in this game but we couldn’t come through," he said. "The defense for us was good, but it’s just a matter of converting on opportunities that we are suppose to finish, and we didn't do that today. Altogether, we survived this exhibition season and we are looking forward becoming bigger and better next year as a varsity sport.”
As a team the Lightning were very young but eager to play soccer for Lehman College and revitalize the men’s soccer program. Now with the club season finished, the unit can look back at the developments of the exhibition season and make adjustments for next year when they potentially will be playing in the CUNYAC.