UDC Men's Soccer Defeats Daemen 3-2 to End the Season

AMHERST, N.Y. The University of the District of Columbia men's soccer team came away with the 3-2 win over Daemen University to pick up their second conference win of the season and bring the season to a close. The Firebirds moved to 7-7-2, 2-5-1 ECC and the Wildcats fell to 7-7-3, 3-4-1 ECC.

Five Firebirds picked up points on the day, with Freshmen midfielders Axel Gamez and Zachary Parker scoring the first two goals, both of which were assisted by Senior defender David Box. Senior midfielder, Jake Bedforth scored the game winning goal, which was assisted by sophomore forward Santiago Gordillo Martinez. In his last game as a Firebird, Goalkeeper Javier Abadia Torres made six saves. 

It was a busy first half with four goals being scored to tie up the game 2-2 going into the break. Daemen foud the back of the net first, in the 11th minute, which was answered a few minutes later by Gamez to make it one even. The Wildcats were able to take the lead after sinking another shot in the 24th minute. 

Just when it seemed the Firebirds would be heading into the second half playing catch-up, Parker send a pass from Box straight up top and past the goalkeeper to even the score with four seconds remaining. 

The second half was pretty quiet offensively as both teams were being shut down by the other's goalkeeper. Torres came up with four big saves to keep the home team scoreless, while on the other end of the field Bedforth would end his collegiate career with a game-winning goal.

"I was excited coming into the season with the group that we had and we started the season well," said Head Coach Thompson. "Unfortunately for us we suffered some injuries and illnesses that set us back. We were not really able to field our strongest 11 throughout the season, which was a frustration. However, the guys stuck together and finished the season on a positive note, going 3 unbeaten, this after being eliminated from the play-off race. I was happy with the focus at the end of the season and I think we will have learned some lessons this year that will stand us in good stead for the future. We have some very good players returning, but lose some strong leadership. It was great to have 12 guys graduate – exceptional for the program and we wish those guys all the best for the future."