For the first time since the end of the 2009 season, the Immaculata University men’s soccer team played for the Conference Title in the Atlantic East Tournament Championship game.
Despite trailing heading to the halftime break, an offensive explosion in the second half of play from Immaculata gave the Mighty Macs the Atlantic East Tournament Championship. This offensive explosion was key in leading Immaculata to the 4-3 victory over its rivals on Saturday afternoon, thus, giving the Macs their first Championship in program history.
This is the first Championship in program history as the team’s first appearance ended in a setback at the hands of Cabrini at the conclusion of the 2009 season.
In the opening minutes of the contest, Immaculata threatened heavily, which paid dividends in the seventh minute when Zachary Malcolm found the back of the net off an impressive move to elude the Cabrini defender at the top of the box and give the Macs the early 1-0 lead. Cabrini had an answer just moments later as Matt Duddy found the back of the net for the equalizer in the 9th minute to even the score at 1-1.
In the 28th minute, Cabrini scored off a free-kick that narrowly escaped the grasp of Mikey Kalpokas to give the Cavaliers a 2-1 lead heading to the halftime break.
Similarly to the first half, the Macs had a great scoring opportunity just minutes into the half as Nick Boule delivered a great cross, which Malcolm capitalized on to even the score at 2-2.
The Macs regained the lead during the 71st minute of play when Josh Fonder converted a PK following a hard foul near the top of the box to give Immaculata the late 3-2 lead.
John Bohrer added what would prove to be a crucial insurance goal in the 79th minute, as Cabrini responded with a goal of its own in the 82nd minute to draw back within one making the score 4-3 with under 10 minutes in to play regulation, which lifted Immaculata to the comeback victory.
At the conclusion of the contest, Cabrini held a slim 11-7 edge in shots although shots on goal were even at 4-4. Corner kicks were also even at 3-3 at the conclusion of the contest.
Sophomore Zachary Malcolm earned MVP Honors after scoring a pair of goals to give Immauclata its initial lead while also scoring the game-tying goal to open the second-half scoring.