Rutherford NJ - Felician University Men's Soccer team traveled to West Virginia this afternoon to face the University of Charleston in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight. The Golden Falcons opened the match with a strong performance, showcasing their skill and determination on the national stage. However, despite their best efforts, Felician fell 2-1 in overtime, marking the end of their remarkable 2024 season. This season brought many highs for the Golden Falcons, who represented both the Men's Soccer program and the university with pride on one of the biggest stages in collegiate athletics. Their achievements and memorable moments will forever be etched into Felician history, a testament to their hard work and dedication. Now, let's take a closer look at how today's contest unfolded.

First Half  -  Felician began the first half with intensity, demonstrating solid offensive efforts early in the match. In the fifth minute, Hugo Rodriguez fired a shot that went just over the top, signaling the Golden Falcons' intent to attack early. They continued to pressure the University of Charleston, earning a corner kick in the 26th minute that kept the momentum in their favor. The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Nicholas Robinson scored with an assist from Manuel Otero, giving Felician a 1-0 lead. This goal not only highlighted the team's ability to capitalize on opportunities but also showcased their effective teamwork in the attacking third. Defensively, Felician held firm, with goalkeeper Emanuele Moretti making a crucial save in the 43rd minute to deny Charleston. The backline consisting of Alvaro Martin Castedo, Sho Horie, Alex Ramos, and Manuel Otero also worked hard to contain Charleston's forwards, intercepting plays and limiting their clear scoring chances. As the half concluded, Felician's disciplined play and early goal positioned them well heading into the second half, holding a hard-fought lead 1-0 against the Number 1 team in the Region. 

Second Half - The second half saw Felician maintaining their defensive resilience while creating opportunities to extend their lead. Moretti stood strong, making key saves to deny Charleston, including a crucial stop in the 67th minute. Rodriguez led the offensive push, testing Charleston's goalkeeper with well-placed shots, including a strong attempt in the 74th minute that was saved in the bottom left corner. Felician's defensive structure began to feel the pressure as Charleston increased their attacks, and despite their efforts, Charleston equalized in the 83rd minute. The Golden Falcons continued to battle, with Robinson anchoring the midfield and contributing to Felician's attempts to regain control. Despite the setback, Felician's determination was evident as they held off Charleston's advances to take the game into extra time. Their strong defensive efforts and disciplined play kept them competitive throughout the second half, showcasing their resolve and teamwork.

Overtime - Felician entered overtime with determination, fielding a lineup ready to push for a golden goal. Moretti continued to anchor the backline, providing leadership and stability under high-pressure circumstances. Rodriguez and Robinson worked tirelessly to create offensive opportunities, while Horie and Ramos contributed defensively to withstand Charleston's attacks. Despite Felician's efforts, Charleston capitalized on a quick play in the 95th minute, resulting in a decisive goal by Joao Belmudes. This sudden strike brought the match to an end, concluding Felician's strong NCAA Tournament run. Though the result didn't go their way, Felician's performance in overtime epitomized their fighting spirit and resilience. The Golden Falcons showcased their ability to compete at the highest level, marking this game as a testament to their remarkable season.

As the 2024 season comes to a close for the Men's Soccer team, this group has set numerous records that will be celebrated and recognized over the coming week. Highlights include achieving the most wins in program history, scoring the most goals in a single season, securing the team's first NCAA Tournament victory, and winning a Conference Championship for the first time in over 20 years. While the season didn't end as the team had hoped, their remarkable accomplishments throughout 2024 have firmly cemented them as one of the greatest teams in Felician history.