BOCA RATON, Fla. – Lynn University has been eliminated from the Sunshine State Conference Men's Soccer Championship for the second consecutive year off a shootout. The Fighting Knights went through double-overtime tied 0-0 against Eckerd but the Tritons advanced to the championship match via a 5-4 shootout victory. Lynn moves to 14-3-1 overall and Eckerd 7-8-4.
The Blue & White held every statistical advantage, out shooting the Tritons 25-4 and holding a 6-3 edge in corner kicks. Andrew Hoffer logged four saves while LU's Matt DiCerbo turned away two shots.
Yannick Braeuer had the first opportunity to score midway through the first period as Jack Winter sent a cross from the left sideline towards the middle of the six-yard box. But Braeuer could not connect on a diving header as Hoffer miss-timed his leap, leaving the net open.
Jack Winter logged the best scoring chance of the match halfway through the second period after Michael Kutscher set him up with a one-on-one with Hoffer. Winter sped past SSC Defensive Player of the Year Matt Duffy into the open field and ripped a shot to the right post but Hoffer was able to get the underside of his cleat on the ball to keep the game scoreless.
DiCerbo played his part as well, making a diving save off a header from Mark Lee in the second half.
Julian Halder led off the shootout with a solid goal, followed by an equalizer from Duffy. Winter, though, had another shot stopped by Hoffer and that was all the Tritons needed to advance to the SSC Championship game.
Lynn awaits the NCAA's announcement on the field for the South Region Tournament. Three teams advance to the postseason. The Fighting Knights currently hold the top spot in the regional rankings, followed by Rollins, Tampa and West Florida. Rollins, though, knocked out Tampa 3-1 in the other SSC Championship semifinal game.
Check out www.NCAA.com on Sunday, November 4, at 7 p.m. for the NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Selection show. Fans, don't forget to 'Like' us on Facebook and follow @LUKnights on Twitter and Instagram.
