Meza's heroics help Tribunes advance to nationals
MCC overcomes a two-goal deficit to beat Monroe College on PK's.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY – When Fernando Meza (Miami, FL/Miami Beach) made the final stop on a Monroe College penalty kick to seal the victory, it was a more traditional way for a goalkeeper to contribute to victory.
But it was what he did away from the goal that was the key to the win.
The sophomore keeper came out for a corner kick and headed in the game-tying goal late in regulation to keep the MCC men's soccer team's dream season alive. He then came through with the save on the Mustangs' final PK to conserve the victory and send the Tribunes to the national championship.
MCC will travel to Albany, GA for the national tournament, Nov. 12-17.
Monroe College built a 2-0 lead and things were looking grim for the Tribunes. But Ngwese Ebangwese (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford Sutherland) scored in the 85th to cut the lead in half.
The game remained 2-1 until late in the 88th minute. MCC was able to get a corner, and head coach Nelson Cupello brought Meza up to serve as an additional player in the box. The move proved brilliant, as Meza headed in the equalizer.
The teams played two scoreless overtime periods and were tied at 4 after the first five PKs. They then exchanged makes and misses before Scott Cowan (Rye, NY/St. Margaret's) found the back of the net for the Tribunes.
Meza then made the final stop to seal the win.