Dec. 2, 2007

Box Score |  Quotes

AMHERST, Mass. - Fighting cold and snowy conditions, the UMass men's soccer team continued their NCAA Tournament run on Sunday afternoon with a thrilling 3-1 victory over Central Connecticut State in the third round at Rudd Field. With the win, the Minutemen (16-7-1) advance to the National Quarterfinals which will be played next weekend. Bryan Hogan scored UMass' first two goals and Prince Ofosu added an insurance tally. The game was delayed for over one hour in the first half due to slippery field conditions. The Minutemen will now play Illinois-Chicago with a berth to the College Cup on the line.

This marks the farthest the Minutemen have advanced into the NCAA Tournament. The Minutemen made it to the second round in 2001. They also improve to 8-1 at home this season and set a school record with 16 wins.

After 73 minutes of scoreless play, the Minutemen got on the board first in the 74th minute. Hogan tallied his first goal of the game off a corner kick to give UMass the all-important advantage. Ben Arikian took the corner and made the cross to Mark DeSantis who headed the ball to Hogan. Hogan then headed the ball inside the right post. For the Minutemen, it was the fifth goal off a corner-kick in the postseason after not scoring a goal off a corner all regular season.

Hogan tallied his second goal of the game less than six minutes later in the 80th minute of play. Stuart Amick had an odd-man rush up field and passed to Hogan, who beat CCSU goalkeeper Paul Armstrong to the bottom left corner of the net.

UMass took a three-goal advantage in the 87th minute. Ofosu was sprung to a one-on-one alone versus Armstrong. Ofosu made a move to his right, and kicked it into the empty net to make it 3-0.

CCSU got on the board 17 seconds later in the 88th minute to cut the lead to two. David Tyrie made a crossing pass to Yan Klukowski, who beat UMass goalkeeper Zack Simmons.

CCSU continued the pressure, but could not score again before the final horn.

In the first half, the Minutemen controlled possession, taking an 8-2 shot advantage heading into the half. UMass had a golden opportunity to take the lead at 19:02 when Mark DeSantis had an opportunity in the box, but his lefty-shot went wide.

UMass held the final shot advantage, 21-9, and also led in corners, 10-3. Simmons made four saves for the Minutemen while Armstrong made six for CCSU.

The Minutemen play Illinois-Chicago next weekend. Check back with UMassAthletics.com for updates on when and where the National Quarterfinals will be held.