Catamounts Triumph in Double Overtime to Reach America East Championship
BURLINGTON, Vt. – The 17th ranked Vermont men’s soccer team secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over UMBC in the America East Semifinals on Wednesday night at Virtue Field, thanks to a remarkable performance by Yaniv Bazini, who scored both goals, including the decisive one in double overtime.
The match started with a strong defensive display from UMBC goalkeeper Emigdio Tormo Lopez, who made several key saves, keeping the game scoreless until the 43rd minute. Loc San caught the Catamounts off guard with a goal just before halftime, with a crafty finish underneath Vermont’s keeper Niklas Herceg, giving the Retrievers a surprising lead.
In the second half, Vermont intensified their offensive pressure, and Bazini finally broke through Tormo Lopez’s impressive shutout streak, netting the equalizer in the 77th minute. His goal came after a well-executed play that capitalized on a setup from Max Murray.
The game remained tied through the first overtime, with Tormo Lopez achieving a career-high 10 saves. However, Bazini’s skill shone again in the 106th minute, as he maneuvered past two defenders to score his second goal, clinching Vermont’s spot in the championship game.
This victory marks a significant moment for the Catamounts, who will host the four-seed Bryant on Sunday, November 17, at 1 p.m. at Virtue Field. This championship match will be Vermont’s first home-hosted league final since 2015 and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
In recognition of their success, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will contribute $100 to the Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation for every victory achieved by the Catamounts, showcasing the team’s commitment to community engagement.
Stay updated with Vermont men’s soccer by following @UVMmsoccer on social media and visiting UVMathletics.com.
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Photo credit uvmathletics.com
