Men's Soccer pushes No. 1 Ravens to penalties in NE10 Quarterfinal

RINDGE, New Hampshire - Facing down a foe who had no blemishes on its record, the eighth-seeded American International College men's soccer team pushed top-seeded and national number one Franklin Pierce University to penalties, ultimately falling 5-4 in six rounds after a scoreless draw through 110 minutes of play.

The game is considered a tie for standings purposes; AIC's season ends at 3-6-9, while the Ravens advance to the NE10 Semifinal no longer perfect at 15-0-1.

The first half was a defensive struggle, with just three shots on target; the Ravens had an early bid, as did the Yellow Jackets, and little thereafter but six yellow cards.

The Ravens turned on the pressure in the second, but against eight shots, Lucas Morales-Fernandez stood strong, turning aside the opportunities again and again. Late in the half, AIC's challenge was compounded by a red card, leaving the Yellow Jackets to face the juggernaut of the Ravens offense shorthanded.

Still, the line held, and for the first time all year, 90 minutes was not enough for the home side. Extended into overtime, the Ravens continued to fire away, but the undermanned Yellow Jackets did not falter, even generating a chance late of their own. Both the first and second extra session were scoreless, and the game officially ended 0-0.

With advancement needing to be decided, the teams went to penalties. Even those required the Ravens to go beyond regulation, though they won in the sixth round, 5-4. 

Morales-Fernandez was credited with nine saves through regulation.