Rutherford NJ - Felician University Men Soccer went up against Post University this afternoon in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. In a contest that ultimately resulted in a victory in penalty kicks 5-4, which now means that the Golden Falcons head to Charleston University in West Virginia this Saturday, December 7th. Here's what happened during this contest.

First Half - Felician came out swinging right away, leading to the first goal at the 7 minute mark by Massimo Girardi with a double assist coming in by Manuel Otero and Kohta Yamanashi. The Golden Falcons kept pushing offensively with opportunities coming in by Lorenzo Ferrari and another by Girardi but nothing connecting. This wouldn't hold up long as at the 32 minute mark, another goal for the Golden Falcons as Hugo Rodriguez had a clear opening with the assist coming in by Manuel Otero, his second on the day. Defensively, breakups kept coming in by Alex Ramos and Alvaro Martin Castedo that slowed down the Post defense. This would hold until the 41st minute where Post would score their first goal, leading to a 2-1 score heading into the second half. 

Second Half - The Golden Falcons came into the second half looking to add to their lead while making sure Post did not score once again. This would be difficult to overcome as Post would score at the 49th minute by penalty kick bringing the score to an even 2-2. Post would keep pushing offensively, leading to another goal at the 60th minute mark giving Post the 3-2 lead. Right when you thought everything was gone, that there isn't anything more the Golden Falcons can do, at the 77th minute, Girardi with his second goal of the match with an assist by Kohta Yamanashi that helped bring the score to 3-3 heading to overtime. 

Overtime - Both sides were pushing back and forth, with one shot coming in by Lorenzo Ferrari that just missed the net. Defensively stepped up with multiple stops by Martin Castedo, Alex Ramos, Otero, and Yamanashi that helped keep the score tied heading into penalty kicks. 

Penalty Kicks - First going up was Nicholas Robinson, who scored the first PK for the Golden Falcons. Following him up, Alex Ramos nailed the second PK to bring the score to 2-1. Massimo Girardi came in and hit the third PK bringing it to 3-2. Ayato Kaneto came in and hit the 4th PK. Then, right at the 6th PK, Manuel Otero hit the 6th one, giving Felician the victory. 

Golden Falcons Player Of The Game - Massimo Girardi with his 2 goals and securing his penalty kick score helped keep the Golden Falcons within this contest and helped secure Felicians first ever Elite Eight matchup.

So what now? Felician now gets to head to Charlston, the number 1 team in the region who defeated Franklin Pierce 1-0, this Saturday, December 7th with a time still to be determined.