North Andover, Mass. - A two-goal first half was enough as the LIU Post men's soccer team defeated Merrimack 2-0 on Thursday night at Martone-Mejail Field. The win gives the Pioneers their first East Region Championship and sends the green and gold to their maiden NCAA Quarterfinal matchup.
The Pioneers took the lead in the 12th minute as junior midfielder Matias Ruiz (Southampton, N.Y.) was fouled in the offensive zone, setting up a free kick. Ruiz bent the ball into the box, but it was headed out right to junior defender Johan Rundqvist (Gothenburg, Sweden). Rundqvist then sent a perfect ball back into the attacking area, where senior forward Eivind Austboe (Stavanger, Norway) deftly flicked the ball past the reach of Merrimack goalie Jose Silva (Northborough, Mass.) and into the back of the net. Austboe's 17th tally of the season put the Pioneers ahead to stay.
In the 30th minute of the contest, both teams went down a man as Merrimack defender Joseph Briers (Nottingham, England) and junior middie Alex Billington (Preston, England) were sent off with straight red cards after a tussle away from the ball. Just seven minutes later, Austboe would set up freshman forward Jason Lampkin (Hawardon, North Wales, United Kingdom) with a neat pass that gave the forward a one-on-one chance with Silva. Lampkin tucked the shot attempt into the lower right corner of the net, providing LIU Post with their insurance policy and the two-goal edge before the halftime break.
Defense was the name of the game for the Pioneers, as they were outshot by Merrimack 12-9. However, only one Warriors shot made it to the net and junior keeper Jesper Malmstrom (Linkopping, Sweden) made a sprawling save at the top of the six-yard box to effectively slam the door shut on any other Merrimack opportunities. It was the only save of the night for Malmstrom in the win. Silva made three saves for the Warriors in the losing effort.
The win gives Head Coach Andreas Lindberg at least one more game, and they will face top-ranked and unbeaten Charleston (W. Va.) on Saturday at Martone-Mejail Field in North Andover, Mass. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. with a date in the Final Four on the line.
Provided by the LIU Post Sports Information Department.
