Generals Triumph 4-3 in Overtime

The Herkimer men’s soccer team gritted out a 4-3 victory over CC Morris in the Northeast Cup, hosted by Tompkins-Cortland CC.  Reco McLaren (Bridgeport, CT) scored the winner for the Generals.

Gustavo Periera tallied a hat trick for Herkimer.  The second-year General, from Curitiba, Brazil, scored once in the first half and twice in the second stanza.  His teammate Ted Cribley (Sheffield, England) had two assists and Newburgh’s Mike Roopchandsingh set up the other regulation-time goal.

Herkimer GK Danny Craggs made six point-blank, unbelievable saves including a breakaway save in the first minute of OT.  "Danny Craggs was my MVP today."  Said Coach Pepe Aragon.  "He made huge saves on numerous occasions to keep us in the game." 

The Generals went up 1-0 at the 30th minute when Gustavo Periera scored on an assist from Mike Roopchandsingh.  Mike beat two defenders down the left side and slid the ball to Gustavo, who buried it inside the far post.  Morris then tied the game off of a corner kick in the 41st minute.  The score at the half was 1-1. 

Once again the Generals gave up a two-goal lead when Morris scored twice in one minute, late in regulation.  Morris’ scores in the 82nd and 83rd minute tied the game, which was then headed for overtime. 

Freshman Reco McLaren had the opportunity to score the winning Golden Goal with 1:12 left in OT.  He stepped up to the direct free kick just outside the 18 yard box, and sent it home for the 4-3 win.  

The Generals are now 1-1 on the season, with both games going into overtime, and with both against Top Ten-ranked opponents.  Their next game will be Tuesday, September 2, at Hudson Valley, and will be the Generals first Mountain Valley Conference game of the season.