RIVER FOREST, Ill. – Despite a 2-1 halftime lead, Edgewood College fell short in their upset bid of Dominican University and will have to wait two more days for another chance to reach the postseason. The Stars scored three second half goals to claim a 4-2 victory over the Eagles.
Dominican University (12-4, 8-2 NACC) got on the board first with a goal from Nicolo Vitale in the 26th minute. However, it didn't take long for the Edgewood College (10-6, 5-4 NACC) to turn the tide. In the 28th minute, Jordan Stark fed Garrett Lee, who slid a square ball over to Victor Lombardino. Lombardino's shot skimmed the turf and beat Stars goalkeeper Aaron Menyes inside the right post to tie the game at 1-1.
Shortly after Lombardino's goal, Riley Moore entered the match. In the 33rd minute, just two minutes after entering the game. Moore tracked down his own rebound off a defender and slotted the ball past Menyes to give the Eagles a 2-1 lead. It was the first time in series history that the Eagles had scored two goals in the same match against Dominican.
Edgewood College's halftime lead didn't last long. Only 24 seconds into the second half, Jonathan Arzeta scored for the Stars to tie the match at 2-2. In the 65th minute, Manuel Pillado scored to put Dominican ahead.
The Eagles' comeback received new life in the 79th minute when the Stars' received a red card, forcing them to play shorthanded for the remainder of the game. However, the Eagles weren't able to generate a shot, and Dominican's Issac Perez tacked on an insurance goal in the 86th minute.
Edgewood College was outshot, 25-9 for the match, but managed to score on their only two shots on goal. Stark, Lee and Moore each had two shots for the game.
With the loss, Edgewood College now needs a win or a tie in their season finale on Wednesday night against Marian University to clinch their first NACC Tournament berth since 2014. The Sabres can claim the berth for themselves with a win at Breese Stevens Field. Edgewood College, who is 7-0 in home games this season, will also be attempting to clinch the first undefeated home season in school history.
