BLUE BELL, Pa. - 5th seeded Montgomery County Community College rode the momentum of a goal with under 1 minute to play in the first half, that gave them a 2-1 halftime advantage, and then held off the Spartans in hard-fought second half to advance in the Region XIX playoffs with a 3-1 victory on Saturday at Bach Field. 

The Mustangs jumped out to an early 1-0 lead on a quick counter, but the Spartans struck right back as Igor Malaquias (Vila Belha, Brazil /Colegio Ateneu do Espirito Santo) headed a direct kick into the net to tie the contest at 1-1. 

After the late first half score that gave Montgomery a 2-1 halftime advantage, the two EPAC foes battled back and forth in the second half, with neither able to convert.  The Mustangs finally broke through with an insurance goal with just less than 20 minutes remaining and then held of the Spartans for the remainder of the contest. 

"Montgomery played well," commented interim Head Coach Brennan McCarthy, "there were some tough breaks today on a couple of plays, but give them credit ... they were able to convert and make the plays they needed to advance."

The Spartans finish the 2017 season with an overall record of 6-7-1.