Ted Haley and his surging squad took to Pioneer Field (LIU Post) to square off against the ECC regular season champs, Mercy College. 

The eagles struggled to create chances early in the game. Post was outshot 7(5) to 2(2) in the first half. Mercy also compiled seven corner kicks to Post's zero in the opening half. 

With less than five minutes left in the half, Mercy earned a free kick slightly in their attacking end of the field, sent a ball towards the outside of the back post which was then centered into the middle of the box and kicked into the back of the net. 

The game went into half 1-0 in favor of Mercy and Post would look to do what they've numerous times this season - produce a second half comeback. 

In the second half, the eagle dominated possession and were able to create better looks at the goal. Four corner kicks and two shots on goal had the eagles knocking on the door. 

"The second half of the game we were dominant and played really good football", Coach Haley said. "We battled to the end and created enough chances to equalize and even win the match in the second half but it just wasn't meant to be on the day. When we hit the post from 3 yards out with 30 seconds left I knew our run was over."

Two chances will haunt the team throughout the offseason:

The first came when CACC Player of the Year, Sergio Diaz, brought the ball into the box with a defender on his back and only the keeper to beat. Diaz looked to chip the keeper, but instead of dropping down to block a shot attempt the keeper remained standing as able to deflect the attempted chip. 

The second chance came in the final minutes (mentioned by Haley). Post sent a soaring free kick into the box, which deflected off the head of an eagle and towards the back post where Alvaro Sanchez was lurking. Sanchez received an unlucky bounce and missed tucking in the game winning goal by just a hair. 
 

Despite the loss, Post men's soccer has a lot to look forward to in the future. "Overall it was a great year....we won a CACC championship and a young team gained valuable experience. Our seniors finish their careers making history, winning a title, and earning a trip to the NCAAs", Haley said. "They deserve everything with all the hard work they put in and it was an absolute pleasure working with them."

The NCAA Tournament experience will provide a young team with valuable experience moving into 2019 and beyond.