McAvoy leads Generals to Semifinal
(Peter McAvoy heads the go-ahead goal in the 42nd minute against SUNY Adirondack).
(Triston Henry saved five shots on Thursday, advancing his team to the Semifinal).
HERKIMER, NY – Just like he did early in the season, scoring the eventual game-winning goal against SUNY Adirondack back in September, Captain Peter McAvoy (Dundee, Scotland) came through with the tying goal and go-ahead goal against the Timberwolves in the NJCAA DIII National Quarterfinal, winning the game 3-1.
Herkimer (15-1, 4-0 MVC) gave up the first goal of the game in the 5th minute to sophomore Samuel Naiwo, who was led perfectly by teammate Dan Riley. It was the first goal the Generals had allowed in its last eight games, amassing an impressive 29 unanswered goals in that span.
Giving his team a boost, like he has all season from the center mid position, McAvoy came through in the 22nd minute on a connection from sophomore midfielder Brian Coyt (Port Chester, NY) to tie it at 1-1.
Building on that momentum, the Generals earned a free kick in the 42nd, capping the opportunity on a header from McAvoy, who now has scored in 10 of the 16 games (13 total goals) Herkimer has played in this season. Assisting on the kick was sophomore James Wilson (Woodford Green, England), his eighth this season.
The lone goal of the second half was made by Coyt. The goal came unassisted after Coyt's kick inside the 18 bounced off Adirondack goalie Robert Sprague, right back to Coyt for the header in the top of the net. The goal was Coyt's third in his last two game and sixth overall.
In the net for the Generals was sophomore Triston Henry (Scarborough, Ont.). Henry allowed his third goal this season, but stayed strong in the second half, saving numerous offensive opportunities Adirondack gave him in the 58th, 66th, 76th, 79th and 86thminute. Henry finished the game with five saves.
The Generals next game is against Richland Community College. Both teams won on Thursday (11/14), advancing them to the NJCAA D III National Semifinal. The game will be played at Wehrum Stadium at 4 p.m.
-Giorgio Varlaro; Athletic Website Manager