Rochester notches its first outdoor playoff win in 42 years in the NPSL opening round.
ERIE, PA. — The NPSL Rochester Lancers traveled to Gannon University on Thursday, to complete Tuesday’s game against AFC Ann Arbor. Rochester won on penalty kicks.
The Lancers now will travel to Detroit for the Midwest Regional Semifinals Friday to take on Cleveland SC.
Tuesday’s game ended in a 0-0 tie after approximately 69 minutes of play, with 2 weather delays and inadequate stadium lighting. The league decided that AFC Ann Arbor and the Rochester Lancers must finish the game at a neutral location to determine who moves onto the Regional Semifinals.
The game resumed at the 69th minute of play with a 0-0 score to continue Tuesday’s contest. Isaac Kissi scored for the Lancers in the 87’th minute, but AFC Ann Arbor immediately followed with a goal a minute later.
The teams were tied again 1-1 at the end of regulation. Two 10-minute overtime periods followed, scoreless.
Rochester coach Doug Miller selected Michael Cunningham to shoot first as he scored the first PK goal. AFC Ann Arbor missed its first shot with an unbelievable save by Lancers goalie Andrew Coughlin.
Rochester won in PKs with goals by Uros Momic, Nate Bourdeau, Kissi, and Rafa Godoi.
The Lancers now face Cleveland SC on Friday in Detroit at 4:30 pm, to then play in the Regional Finals on Sunday, July 21.
Thursday’s game was the outdoor Lancers first playoff win in 42 years.