The Michigan soccer team set a school-record for wins in a thrilling 2-1 overtime win in the second round of the NCAA Soccer Tournament over Central Florida on Sunday, Nov. 21 in Ann Arbor.
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| Wolverines team members and fans celebrate after their win against Central Florida on November 21 in Ann Arbor. Photo courtesy of MGoBlue.com |
Meram scored the first goal of the game for the Wolverines to tie the score at one at the 49:48 mark of the second half, and Alashe scored the game-winner in overtime, just his second career goal, off an assist from Hamoody Saad of Dearborn.
The win put Michigan in the Sweet 16 for the third time in school history and the first time since 2008.
Soony Saad, the freshman superstar for UM, managed ten shots on goal despite being held scoreless due to several near-misses around the goal. Michigan had a season-high 13 shots on the afternoon before pulling off the win which set off a jubilant celebration at the UM soccer complex.
“The environment was electric; a special thank you to the Ultras (student fan section) who cheered their Maize and Blue hearts out today, and the game delivered on every level,” said Michigan Head Coach Steve Burns.
“Our guys stayed focused for the entire 90 (minutes) as we needed every bit of that, and then some, against a very strong and committed UCF team. I’m really proud of how we kept our discipline in defense and composure in the attack to figure out a way to win.”
Next up for Michigan is a third-round game against the South Carolina Gamecocks on the road at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 28 in Columbia, SC. The game was not expected to be televised as of press time, however.
South Carolina is ranked 18th in the country and is the #7 seed in the tournament while Michigan is ranked 19th in the country and is the #10 seed. Michigan has won seven straight games heading into the match.
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