GLASSBORO, NJ – The Cabrini men's soccer team recorded just two shots in tonight's NCAA Tournament opener, but the most important one came in the 97th minute, as sophomore
Andre Justin's header gave the Cavaliers a 1-0 win at No. 17 Rowan and the program's first NCAA Tournament victory.
The Blue and White's fourth consecutive win improved the team to 11-8-1.
The Cavaliers were forced into a defensive posture early, as they faced the country's fifth ranked scoring defense.
Freshman
John Griffin recorded Cabrini's first shot in the 20th minute, but Rowan's junior goaltender Erik Checkur was in place for the save.
On the other side of the pitch, the Profs peppered the Cabrini defense to the tune of 19 shots. Only five of the attempts were on target, as sophomore goaltender
Mike Gould stopped each attempt.
The Cavaliers found some confidence at the break, as the score sheet remained clean.
Rowan turned up its pressure in the second half, outshooting the Blue and White 21-0. Once again the Cabrini defense was up to the task, as the Gould added five second half saves.
Junior
Matt Ochman also saved a goal, as Rowan fired the rebound from a Gould save, but Ochman was there to head the ball off the goal line.
With nothing to lose after 90 scoreless minutes of action, the Cavaliers seemed to settle down as the match headed into overtime.
Both teams created early scoring chances, as the defenses committed fouls in dangerous scoring areas. The Profs had an attempt from about 25 yards out, but Gould made the final of his 11 saves with a diving highlight stop.
Just a minute later, a Profs' foul gave the Cabrini its scoring chance. Senior
Ben Roda's service from 25 yards out found Justin's head, before sending the Cavaliers into an excited frenzy.
Shane Doherty led Rowan (17-4-1) with seven shots, while a trio of Profs added six each.
By virtue of tonight's victory, Cabrini will face No. 23 Johns Hopkins (15-1-3) in Sunday's second round. The Blue Jays scored a 2-0 win over DeSales in tonight's second opening round match at Rowan.
The Cavaliers and Blue Jays will meet at 6pm at Rowan, with teh winner advancing to next weekend's round of 16.
