Riverhawks Drop NOVA, 5-3, Now Headed For Championship Match

The Details

              Final Score: Riverhawks 5, Northern Virginia Community College Nighthawks 3

              Location: Howard Community College – Columbia, MD

              Box Score: Found here

              Media: Video here

Game Notes

              The Riverhawk men's soccer team have extended their season further, defeating the Nighthawks of NOVA, 5-3, in the DIII Region XX semi-final match this Thursday afternoon (10/25). Hosted at Howard Community College, the Riverhawks entered the tournament as the #1 seed, with the Nighthawks as the #4 seed. 

              AACC would strike first as Peter Roberts (Pasadena, MD/Archbishop Spalding) would handle the ball in the box before creating enough space to finish on net. A Nighthawk foul in the box would lead to Roberts second goal of the game with the success of a penalty shot. Heading into half time the Riverhawks had a comfortable 2-0 lead.

              With the unfortunate foul in their own box, the Nighthawks had a penalty shot of their own just 40 seconds into the start of the second half. Able to get one by AACC goalkeeper Austin Noland (Glen Burnie, MD/Glen Burnie), NOVA looked to turn the momentum in their favor. Yet with no reason to let up, Noah Beall (Odenton, MD/Annapolis Area Christian School) would finish a powerful header from a beautiful cross by Angel Calderon (Pasadena, MD/Northeast). Roberts would earn his hat trick at the 77^thminute, utilizing some powerful footwork to blow by his defenders and allowing him time to finish on net. 

              The 3-goal deficit (4-1) wouldn't hinder the Nighthawks' aggression, firing two successful shots on goal, and scoring back-to-back in under a minute span. With 8 minutes left to play, AACC's three goal lead was cut to one (4-3).

              As intensity was at an all-time high, Calderon was given the opportunity for a penalty shot with the Nighthawk foul from inside the box. Successful in his attempt, the Riverhawks took the 5-3 lead over NOVA. As time expired, AACC would earn the victory. 

Up Next

              The Riverhawks will travel back to Howard Community College for the 2018 NJCAA DIII Region XX Championship Title scheduled for 3 p.m. this Saturday (10/27). With the host Dragons defeating the Owls of Prince George's Community College in the other semi-final match, the Riverhawks are set to face off against the Dragons. Remember to get the latest updates and announcements, as well as receiving all access to live stats and live videos by following AACC Athletics (@aaccathletics) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!