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Tahir's Golden Goal Lifts UDC Men's Soccer to First-Ever ECC Championship Title

Tahir's Golden Goal Lifts UDC Men's Soccer to First-Ever ECC Championship Title

Rockville Centre, NY -#6 District of Columbia men's soccer clinched it's first ever East Coast Conference Championship title with a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against #5 Molloy University, on Sunday afternoon at John A. Darcy Field. In an intense and closely contested match, the Firebirds claimed the title with a golden goal from Mustafa Tahir in the 100th minute. The Firebirds earn the automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament, marking just their second appearance since the 2017 season. 

UDC took an early lead in the 3rd minute when Ignacio Lopez scored a goal from a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. The Firebirds held onto the 1-0 advantage into halftime.

Molloy equalized in the 57th minute with a header from Steph Maurice, assisted by Charlie Morgan, off a well-placed free kick. The two sides battled fiercely throughout the second half, with both defenses holding strong to force overtime.

With just nine seconds remaining in the first overtime period, Mustafa Tahir capitalized on a loose ball following a corner kick, heading it past the Molloy goalkeeper to secure the championship for UDC.

Key Performances

  • Mustafa Tahir: Game-winning goal in overtime, his third of the season.
  • Ignacio Lopez: Opening goal from a free kick, his sixth goal of the season, and third in the postseason.
  • Giovanni Llamas: Made 4 saves in goal, earning his 7th win of the season.

Team Statistics

  • Shots: UDC 9, Molloy 13
  • Shots on Goal: UDC 4, Molloy 5
  • Saves: UDC 4, Molloy 2
  • Corner Kicks: UDC 5, Molloy 2
  • Fouls: UDC 15, Molloy 9

Despite a 1-5-2 start, the Firebirds managed to turn the season around and are now on a seven game unbeaten streak. They become the first-ever six seed to win the ECC Championship title, upsetting the No.3 (Roberts Wesleyan), 2 (Mercy) and 5 (Molloy) seeds on the road. 

UDC (8-7-4, 3-4-1 ECC) will now await the NCAA selection show, which will be aired Monday night at 6:30pm, for their seeding and opponent in the tournament.