VIDEO: Oratory's overtime goal eliminates DePaul in soccer states | ||
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Oratory Prep fought from behind twice to force overtime in its first-round boys' soccer state tournament game against DePaul. Then the Rams found some golden-goal magic to earn a 3-2 home win. Matthew Bopp headed home a cross from Matthew Falcone about seven minutes into the first overtime to lift Oratory to the win. A.J. Kopacz scored the other two goals for the Rams, who trailed 1-0 at the half and 2-1 with 15 minutes to play.
Christopher Lubin and Joseph Cranley had assists on the goals by Kopacz. Goalie Michael Koomar made six saves for Oratory, the ninth seed in North Non-Public A. Nearly all of DePaul's best scoring chances in the game came from long throw-ins by Bobby Pombo. Both of the Spartans' goals came from such plays, with Jordan Macci heading in the first tally, and Kyle Kachidurian deflecting the second ball home. Luke Van Winkle had two saves for DePaul. The Spartans, seeded ninth in North Non-Public A, fall to 7-10. Oratory is 9-8-1 and will meet top seed Bergen Catholic in the sectional quarterfinals. For sports video highlights of this New Jersey state tournament high school boys' soccer game, click play in the box at left. |