Just Out of Reach

Overtime Goal Leads Hunter Past Lightning

According to the official calendar outlined by the City University of New York Athletic Conference, postseason play for men's soccer does not begin until October 27th.

However, those in attendance for Wednesday night's showdown for second place between Lehman and visiting Hunter College might beg to differ following the Hawks 1-0 overtime victory.

Saif Zureikat sent a raucous Hunter viewing continent home happy when his left sideline strike from nearly 35 yards out found its way past Lehman keeper Marcos Coto-Batres and into the far corner of the net just 2:24 into the first overtime period.

The golden goal capped a physical game that featured four yellow cards, two red cards and a host of chances for Lehman.

Showcasing a new defensive alignment that featured two of Lehman's most dangerous offensive weapons, Guilherme Silva and Assami Valian, in the backfield, the Lightning played at a seemingly higher energy level throughout. In fact, Coach Joe Andre credited the tactical changes for the improved play on both sides of the ball.

“The changes proved to be effective,” said Andre. “We cut down the number of attacks significantly and improved our chances on offense.”

The first of those chances came in the 33rd minute when Miguel Espino's header off a corner kick by Enes Dervisevic was blocked away at the goal line by a Hunter defender.

Perhaps Lehman's best opportunity presented itself eight minutes later, this time a result of some lax play by Hunter keeper Zade Haobsh and great hustle by Essenam Agouze. Pressuring a pass back to the keeper, Agouze nearly poked the ball away from Haobsh for a cheap goal.

In the 48th minute, Dervisevic was in the middle of the action once again as he slipped a pass cross field to captain Rafael Abbondanza who blasted a shot just wide, keeping the scoreless duel intact.

“We had chances,” lamented Andre, “but not enough.”

Hunter wasn't without their own chances to end the match in regulation prior to Zureikat's game-winner, coming within inches of taking the lead in the 69th minute as Lus Palomo banged a point blank shot off the left post after corralling a through ball in the goal box.

With the win Hunter improves to 5-1-2 in the CUNYAC while Lehman drops to 4-3-1. However, despite the loss, Coach Andre remains positive.

“I'm very satisfied with the changes and the effort,” remarked Andre. “It definitely bodes well the rest of the way.”

Lehman closes out the CUNYAC portion of their schedule on Saturday afternoon versus host City College of New York at 9:30 a.m.

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