(New York, NY) - In a battle with huge post-season seeding implications for both teams, the Westchester Community College Men's Soccer team suffered its second straight loss, 2-1 to Borough of Manhattan Community College. With the loss, the Vikings are now 6-3-1 overall and 4-3-1 in Region XV play.
The loss also drops the Vikings to sixth place in the Region XV standings. All but assured of a spot in the upcoming Region XV tournament, the loss makes a home game in the tournament an uphill climb.
A year after falling 7-0 at home to the Panthers, WCC came to play on Saturday. The teams played dead-even soccer during the first half, and went into the break tied 0-0 as shots, scoring opportunities, and time of possession were just about even. However, BMCC enjoyed a five-minute rally early during the second half of play, scoring in the 53rd and 58th minutes to go ahead 2-0, and make BMCC the second team this season to score more than a single goal in a game against WCC.
Westchester received new life in the 79th minute when the Vikings were awarded a penalty kick. Freshman
Luis Galeano (Mamaroneck, NY/Rye Neck HS) calmly deposited the ball to the back of the net to make it a 2-1 game. For Galeano, the tally marked his ninth goal, and 21th points of the season, leading the Vikings. He is also 3 for 3 on penalty kick opportunities.
WCC spent the final 20 minutes desperately attempting to even the score, but the BMCC defense held, giving the hosts a win.
BMCC outshot Westchester 10-9, and had a 6-3 edge on corner kicks.
For WCC, freshman
Guilherme Griza (Novo Hamburgo-RS (Brazil)/Colegio Marista Pio XII) made six saves.
Facing their first losing streak of 2018, Westchester Community College returns to action on Tuesday, Oct. 9 when the Vikings host Rockland Community College for a crucial Mid-Hudson Conference contest. The Vikings are two wins away from clinching a spot in the Mid-Hudson Conference Championship Game, and three wins away from hosting the Championship.
Tuesday's game will also be the final home contest of the 2018 regular season for WCC. Prior to the game, six Viking sophomores will be honored for their accomplishments during the last two seasons.
