UMass Clinches A-10 Playoff Berth

Mass. Native Sends Minutemen to Postseason

November 8, 2008

AMHERST, Mass. - Junior midfielder Mark DeSantis ensured UMass would have a chance to defend its Atlantic-10 title, potting home the game-winning goal in the 108th minute of a 2-1 triumph over St. Louis Friday.

The win ensures the Minutemen a spot in the A-10 postseason tournament and gives them a shot at the league’s regular season title this Sunday against Charlotte.

Friday, the Minutemen led 1-0 for much of the game, but the Billikens were able to tie the game with 12 seconds remaining in regulation to force the extra time.

Ben Arikian

UMass' Ben Arikian set up both Minutemen goals Friday. (UMass Athletics)

The game-winning goal originated inside UMass' defensive third with a throw-in on the far sideline. After a few passes under pressure, sophomore Ben Arikian took the ball and dribbled past mid-field into UMass' offensive zone. After eluding a slide tackle, Arikian dumped the ball at the top of the 18-yard box to fellow sophomore Stuart Amick on the left flank.

Amick took two dribbles and shot towards the right post. His shot was deflected by SLU keeper Pat Disbennett and rolled right in front of DeSantis who was crashing from the right flank. With a wide open net, the Stoneham (Mass.) native touched the ball over the goal line for the win.

Freshman Andrew Henshaw (Marlborough, Mass.) tallied his first career goal in the 30th minute of play. He headed home the opening goal of the game on an Arikian corner kick towards the far right post. Henshaw became the 11th different Minuteman to register a goal this season.

Saint Louis was able to generate the game-tying goal in the final 30 seconds of regulation to force the overtime periods. A UMass foul gave the Billikens a free kick from nearly 35 yards out in its offensive zone. The original kick was headed towards the far sideline, but was booted back into the 18-yard box by the Billikens. The cross went to the left post where a tangle of bodies collided around the ball. James Jaramillo touched the ball to Jimmy Holmes who turned and fired a low shot just inside the left post from point blank range with 12 seconds remaining in the second half.

Both sides battled for possession in the first overtime, but neither could find the golden goal until DeSantis scored with 1:26 remaining in the second overtime.

Zack Simmons made three saves to pick up the win for UMass, while Disbennett made four in the loss.?

Return from UMass Clinches A-10 Playoff Berth to College Soccer

ADD TO YOUR SOCIAL BOOKMARKS: