CANTON, N.Y. - The second-seeded St. Lawrence University men's soccer team defeated third-seeded Skidmore College in a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory in the Liberty League semifinals on Friday afternoon at Sandy MacAllaster Field. Sophomore Henry Brown scored his 12th goal of the season to tie the game with less than two minutes remaining in regulation (88:04), and fifth-year Sam Pijpers called game in the second overtime period with a goal at the 105:58 mark.
St. Lawrence, who improved to 9-2-6 overall, advance to the Liberty League Championship game with the victory, while Skidmore sees its season end at 6-4-7.
"I've said it repeatedly, this group of players finds a way to get it done!" said head coach Mike Toshack "And when I say players, I mean everyone on the roster, who does their part every day. Without this, it is impossible to win matches of this nature! The team looks forward to going to Vassar for the league championship game."
St. Lawrence, playing in their first postseason contest, got the first shot of the game, as Max Mogul sailed a shot wide of the target. Skidmore countered with a less-than-threatening effort that was snared by George Charalambous.
Both goalkeepers, Skidmore's Will Devall and George Charalambous made stops to keep the game scoreless in the first half. Skidmore had the shot advantage with four to the Saints' three.
Things began to open up in the second half, especially on the St. Lawrence side. Both Pijpers and Brown had chances in the opening 12 minutes of play with Pijpers missing wide and Brown's effort stymied by a diving effort from Devall.
The game cruised into the 84th minute when the draw was broken. The Thoroughbreds were awarded a free kick which was taken by Max Heberlein. He passed to Colin Goodhines, who tapped the ball home and it went off the fingertips of Charalambous.
St. Lawrence then earned a free kick near the Skidmore net. Sophomore Nicholas Petrone took the corner for the Saints and found Brown, who headed the ball in to tie the game with 1:56 on the clock.
Brown's 12th tally of the season moved him into a tie for sixth in the Saints' record book for goals in a season alongside Brendan Gorman '12, and Dana Hollingsworth '77.
The game went into the first overtime period where neither team was able to get a good look. In the second overtime frame, sophomore Dennis Argueta made a great play to help the Saints clinch the game in the 106th minute. He carried the ball in towards the box and passed the ball to Pijpers. The fifth-year took a shot to top left of the goal and in to send the Saints into the title match on Sunday.
Charalambous stopped four shots in the St. Lawrence goal, while Devall made two.
St. Lawrence head down to Vassar College where the Saints will take part in the Championship Game on Sunday, November 10 at 1:30 p.m.