Smiljanic’s Last-Second Goal Sends Firebirds to 1-0 Win Over Nyack

Post-Game Interview - Nenad Smiljanic

WASHINGTON, DC – Freshman midfielder Nenad Smiljanic's free-kick goal with two seconds remaining in regulation lifted the University of the District of Columbia men's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Nyack on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in the nation's capital.

A foul called on a Nyack defender from just outside the box resulted in a yellow card and a stoppage of play with four seconds remaining for a free kick. Smiljanic (Business Administration - Barnsley, England/Barnsley College) then blasted a shot past Warriors goalkeeper Tom Lohman directly on the ensuing free kick for the game's only goal with just two seconds remaining and set off a wild celebration by the Firebirds. The final two seconds ran off after a touch at midfield by Nyack (1-2-1), and UDC (4-0) had its fourth straight victory to start the season.

Smiljanic's goal was the difference in what was a very evenly played game the whole way through. District of Columbia held a 15-14 edge in shots (8-7 in the second half), but Nyack earned more corner kicks (7-2), particularly in the second half (5-0).  Smiljanic was game's most active offensive player with four shots (three on goal).

Sophomore goalkeeper Louis Connor made three saves en-route to his first complete game shutout of the season. Lohman made six saves and allowed one goal in the loss.

The Firebirds are off to their best start in program history and are unbeaten through four games for the third consecutive year under head coach Matt Thompson.

Wednesday, September 18^th marks the Firebirds East Coast Conference opener against St. Thomas Aquinas. UDC will try to avenge a 3-2 loss in Sparkill, NY last year as it hosts the Spartans at 3 p.m.