Firebirds Win in Overtime to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

Rochester, NY – The University of the District of Columbia men's soccer team came into the game looking to improve their standing in the conference as they make a push to qualify for the conference playoffs. Their opponent conference rival Roberts Wesleyan were under the firebirds in the standings so this became a must win and that's exactly what the Firebirds did.

UDC(5-7-1) offensive started out the game strong earning a corner and taking 3 shots all within the first 10 minutes of the game. The pressure stayed on and in the 12 UDC almost scored as a excellent save by Roberts Wesleyan goalie Ben Hastings to stop almost surefire goal from 10 feet in. Defensively the Firebirds played really well not allowing a shot until the 25th minute. Roberts Wesleyan shot was the only shot the Firebirds allowed in the first half as the Firebirds led in shots 10-1.

UDC got on the board in the 67th minute when Senior former All-American Gabriel Torres  scored from inside the 18 with a shot into the lower left corner for his 6th goal of the season. The Firebird enjoyed a short lead as 4 minutes later when Johanz Tusiime scored his 9th goal of the season from a through ball into the box. Eager to win the game both teams pushed hard to score taking 3 shots each but neither could score and the game went to overtime.

In Overtime the Firebirds experience showed as this was their 4th overtime game of the season opposed to Roberts Wesleyan who were playing their first overtime game of the season. UDC used that experience to score in the 3rd minute off a shot in the box by Michael Egbame.  UDC will continue with East Coast Conference play on Wed., Oct. 17  at home vs Daemen College. The Firebirds are now 3-3 in league play with an undefeated home record of 3-0 for the year.