Firebirds Succumb to No. 2 Nationally-Ranked LIU Post, 4-1; Eliminated From Postseason Contention

BROOKVILLE, NY – The University of the District of Columbia men's soccer team was defeated, 4-1 by the No. 2 ranked team in the nation, LIU Post in East Coast Conference play Wednesday afternoon. With the loss, the Firebirds are eliminated from ECC Tournament contention.

UDC fell to 4-11-1 overall and 3-4-1 in league play with today's loss – its third straight loss in conference play and 3^rd loss in its last four games. LIU Post improved to 6-0 at home this season in its final regular season home game, and the Pioneers improved to 14-0-1 overall and 7-0-1 in league play on the season.

LIU Post out-shot UDC, 14-1 in the first half en-route to a 3-0 first half advantage courtesy of goals by Jason Lampkin, Charlie Ledula and Gianluca Santacruz. The second half was a much different story, with the Firebirds out-shooting the Pioneers, 12-4. Freshman midfielder Benhur Gebretsanie scored his 3^rd goal of the season in the 80^th minute off of a rebound of Malik Thom's shot to make the score, 3-1. LIU Post would respond with a goal by David Arvidsson just 26 seconds later to make the final score, 4-1.

UDC's freshman midfielder Gabriel Torres and freshman forward Malik Thom each had a game-high five shots on the day while each putting two of those shots on goal. Meanwhile, freshman goalkeeper Joao Brusamolin stopped three of seven shots faced in a losing effort.

LIU Post had four different goal scorers and four assists. Ledula finished with a goal and two assists, and Harry Pearse pitched in with two assists as well. Starting goalkeeper Jesper Malmstrom improved to 12-0-1 on the season with one save in a first half shutout. Brian McPartland came on in relief in the second half and stopped five of six shots faced to preserve the win.

UDC will play its 2016 season finale on the road Saturday at Roberts Wesleyan College. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.