Julian Gugino made three saves as Howard Community College men’s soccer fell 2-1 to CCBC Essex in double overtime in the Region 20 championship game on Oct. 31 in Dundalk. The teams were tied 1-1 after regulation and the first overtime period before CCBC Essex scored the winning goal in the 106th minute.
Howard Community College entered the game with a 15-2-2 overall record and a 12-1-0 Region 20 record. CCBC Essex came in at 18-1-0 overall and 12-0-0 in Region 20.
Dragons Equalize After Early Deficit
CCBC Essex scored first in the opening half through Alvaro Acosta, assisted by Daniel Antunez. Nicholas Mirecki tied the game for Howard Community College in the 34th minute off a corner kick from Yeabsira Tesfaye.
Neither team scored in the second half or the first overtime period. Dony Mendoza then netted the winning goal for CCBC Essex in the second overtime, with Acosta assisting.
Howard Awaits Tournament Selection
Both teams finished with five shots on goal. Nelson Hernandez had three shots with one on goal, Carson Feeser had three shots with two on goal, and Angel Giron-Ramos added two shots. Gugino made three saves in net.
Howard Community College was ranked No. 12 nationally and No. 10 in the United Soccer Coaches poll. The program will await the NJCAA Division II National Tournament selections to learn if it receives an at-large bid.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Howard Community College men’s soccer pushed the Region 20 championship game to double overtime after Mirecki’s first-half equalizer. CCBC Essex ultimately secured the title with Mendoza’s 106th-minute goal. The Dragons now await NJCAA Division II National Tournament selections to see if they advance.
Read the official game recap from Howard Community College.
Source: Original report
