Evan Kanellos' 90th-Minute Goal Lifts No. 5 UChicago Past No. 17 NYU
The fifth-ranked University of Chicago men's soccer team earned a win over 17th-ranked New York University on Saturday evening in dramatic fashion, scoring with less than a minute remaining in regulation to hand the Violets their first loss of the season.
As the match remained scoreless through nearly all 90 minutes, the Maroons broke through in the 89th minute. Juan Carlos Bermudez crossed a ball to Evan Kanellos, who headed in the dagger with just 34 seconds remaining in regulation to give the Maroons the go-ahead goal.
In the match, the Violets set the tone early, applying heavy pressure in the opening minutes of the game. NYU recorded five shots in the first half compared to two for UChicago. The Maroons came close to putting one on the scoreboard with just 13 minutes left in the first half as Giovanni Caselli found Jadyn Hsieh-Bailey cutting to the goal, but a mistouch by Hsieh-Bailey curved the attempt to the far right. NYU's goalkeeper recorded one save as the teams entered halftime scoreless.
UChicago continued to find opportunities after the break. Hsieh-Bailey, Chase Perry and Kanellos put up shots in the half to continue testing the Violets' defense but still struggled to find the back of the net, as did NYU.
As the clock wound down, the Maroons' momentum forced them to find the deciding goal.
The pressure finally paid off in the 90th minute as Bermudez found Kanellos, who beat NYU's defense and completed the touch for the Maroons' 1-0 advantage with 34 seconds remaining.
NYU attempted to respond in the closing seconds, but the Maroons' defense held firm to secure their third shutout victory.
UChicago finished with eight shots, including five on goal, while NYU recorded 10 shots, five on frame. The Maroons also led 7-1 in corner kicks.
With the win, the Maroons improve to 9-1 on the season and 1-0 in UAA play.