Men's Soccer Falls In ECC Finals To Dowling, 2-1, In Overtime

Bridgeport, Conn.-The second-seeded University of Bridgeport men's soccer team saw its chances for an East Coast Conference title come to a heartbreaking end on Sunday afternoon when the top-seeded and tenth ranked in the country Dowling College Golden Lions tied the game at 1-1 with only 3:28 to play in regulation on a penalty kick after a hand ball in the box and win the 2010 East Coast Conference crown by a 2-1 score with a goal just 2:23 in the first overtime period in the ECC Tournament Championship Final played at Knights Field in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

The Purple Knights wrapped up their 2010 season with an 11-6-2 record.  Dowling, the top ranked team in the East Region of NCAA Davison II Men's Soccer, will move on to the National Championship Tournament with an 11-1-5 overall mark.

After a scoreless first half, Bridgeport took s 1-0 lead in the match when 2010 East Coast Conference Rookie and Offensive Player of the Year Markus Naglestad (Kristiansand, Norway) notched his 15 goal of the season off a top-notch through ball from sophomore Arnold Hitoaliaj (Tirana, Albania/Bridgeport Central HS) at the 52:43 mark.

Dowling's Stefan Draskovic would then tie the match at 1-1 at the 86:32 mark on a penalty kick after a UB hand ball in the box.

Just 2:23 into overtime, Draskovic would set up the Golden Lions' game-winning goal with beautiful through pass in the middle of the box to teammate Sean Dougherty who won the match with his ninth goal of the season.