Gulls Grab Momentum Heading into Playoffs

Oct. 27, 2004

The Gulls beat the University of New England in a double overtime thriller, 3-2, last night. With the loss, UNE was knocked out of playoff contention while EC, who remains the 6th seed, prepares to face third seeded Roger Williams University in the quarterfinals of the CCC playoffs this Saturday. UNE ends their season with a 2-10-3 record, while EC improves to 9-8-1.

Only 29 seconds into the game, UNE took the lead on a goal by forward Geoff Champagne. Despite numerous opportunities for the Gulls in the first half, they were unable to put one home. EC dominated much of the play, but none-the-less found themselves down 1-0 at the half.

EC took advantage of their opportunities in the second half. Team manager Craig Bannon, back from an injury, found his stride and tied the ball game at the 2:00 mark of the half on a nifty cross by senior Pete Mendel. The score would remain tied until the 43:00 mark when Bannon collected a through ball, which he pushed to freshman Elias Carrero, who then blasted it by the UNE goalkeeper, Steve Bishop. With a win in hand EC tried to hold on but fell victim to a goal by UNE forward Mark Regis with only 26 seconds remaining in the game. The game entered overtime with a 2-2 tie.

The first overtime brought more scoring opportunities for both teams but no goal. Finally with only 2 minutes remaining in the second overtime senior Cody Barbierri collected a ball on a long run down the sideline. After a quick move past his defender, Barbierri sent a cross to the middle of the box where Bannon hit a one time volley which found the back of the net giving EC the victory.

EC begins its playoff run on Saturday away at Roger Williams University at 1pm.