SOMERVILLE, NJ - The Northampton men's soccer team erupted for three second half goals to battle back from a 2 goal deficit to upend Raritan Valley Community College, 3-2, on Saturday afternoon in Region 19 action at the Golden Lions Soccer Facility.
Raritan Valley opened the scoring by hitting the back of the net on an unassisted goal just 4 minutes into the contest for a quick, 1-0, lead and carried that advantage into the intermission. The Golden Lions struck again just 3 minutes into the second half, extending their lead over the Spartans, 2-0.
The Spartans started their comeback at the 66th minute when
Jesus Uzcategui (Easton, PA/Easton) nailed a penalty kick to cut the lead to, 2-1.
Givanchy Durandisse (Easton, PA/Wilson) was able to even things up at, 2-2, just three minutes later in the 69th minute, scoring off an assist from goalkeeper
Martin Severo (Allentown, PA/William Allen), taking a loose ball from a defender after a deep punt from Severo and slotting the ball past a diving goalkeeper for the score.
Jesus Uzcategui (Easton, PA/Easton) finished the comeback for the Spartans and scored the eventual game winner with a header off a pass from
Baylen Lesser (Bethlehem, PA/Bethlehem Christian) in the 83rd minute. The Spartans were able to hold off a late flurry of chances by the Golden Lions to secure the victory.
"Exciting win and a great comeback," beamed Spartans Head Coach
Mario Barrantes, "Again, we were down early and we didn't quit. We found a way to get a score and get ourselves back into the game. We kept the pressure on and we were able to break through. This was a good win and I am proud of how our team battled and got it done today."
Northampton improves to 4-7-2 overall and 4-7-2 in Region 19 with the comeback win.
Raritan Valley is now 6-5-2 overall and 6-4-1 in the Region.
Today's victory marks the 50th career win for
Mario Barrantes during his tenure as head coach of the Spartans men's soccer program.
The Spartans are back in action on Tuesday, October 13th when they host Harrisburg Area Community College at 4pm at Spartan Field.
Â
