ELMOSE’S FREE KICK IN OVERTIME LIFTS NO. 5 NORTHEAST PAST NO. 9 MERCER COUNTY AT NATIONAL TOURNAMENT

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The No. 5 Northeast Community College men's soccer team began their journey at the 2024 NJCAA DII Men's Soccer Championship Monday night at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, Alabama against No. 9 Mercer County Community College in Game 2 of Pool D. The Hawks scored a golden goal seven minutes into the overtime period to take the victory by a final score of 2-1.

Northeast (19-1-2, 9-0 ICCAC) and the Vikings were tied at 0-0 at the halftime break but Mercer County jumped on the scoreboard first as the Hawks conceded a goal 14 minutes into the second half. Northeast generated chances throughout much of the contest but were not able to find the back of the net until Marius Elmose (Viby, Denmark) buried a free kick to tie the contest in the 72nd minute.

Neither team was able to score again in regulation, triggering a golden goal scenario where there would be two 10-minute periods and the first team to score a goal would be victorious. After a foul from the Vikings, Elmose lined up for another free kick and produced the same result as before as he scored his second goal of the night to seal the win for Northeast.

The Hawks will now play No. 4 Phoenix College to finish Pool D with a victory sending Northeast to the semifinals. The Hawks could also advance through a close loss tomorrow based on goal differential.

STAT SHEET:

Goals: Marius Elmose (Viby, Denmark) (2)

HEAR FROM THE HAWKS COACH:

Head Men's Soccer Coach Adam Potter on the incredible triumph from his team tonight:

"Next guy up," Potter said. "Guys grit and grind no matter what adversity is thrown there way. No matter who goes in the game, no matter the situation, guys have to step up and guys have to rise to the occasion. Guys have been here before and that's why they are part of this team. Couple of huge performances from guys like Pedro Cidade Santos (Sete Lagoas, Brazil). A guy who hasn't really been playing much all season and plays close to 90 minutes for us tonight. He had a huge outing a made a huge stamp on the highest stage. With guys out today, other guys came in and others played in positions they have not played before. Overall, it was just a huge team effort all around. From the bench with their energy to the guys on the field. We executed the game plan and stuck with it. Marius Elmose came up with two massive free-kick goals. We have seen him do that time and time again."

Potter on facing off with No. 4 Phoenix College next:

"We get to show the growth of our program" Potter said. "It's an opportunity for us to show growth. We played them two years ago at the national tournament in a similar game and here we are now with the opportunity to get to the semifinals. Under the lights. No excuses. We'll get our bodies rested and we'll be ready to roll. We'll try to make some noise."

UP NEXT:

The Hawks will battle No. 4 Phoenix College at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, Alabama.

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