Camden Defeats Herkimer in Double Overtime
Herkimer, NY—The #2 Herkimer Generals (19-1) fell in the NJCAA DIII Semifinal game versus the #3 Camden Cougars (18-0-4) tonight 2-1 in double overtime. The game started off very equal as both teams fought for every possession with passion and intensity knowing this game was their only chance at advancing to the National Championship Sunday afternoon. Just eight minutes into the first half an extremely unusual play occurred which ultimately cost the Generals. Herkimer’s defenseman #33 Kadeem Joseph battled shoulder to shoulder for the ball with Camden’s #13 Derek Desantanna when his attempt to clear the ball out of the goalie box was disrupted by Desantanna and the ball bounced toward Herkimer goalie #1 Sean Connolly. Connolly dove on the ball preventing it from entering his goal. Unfortunately for Herkimer the referee did not believe the play was an unintentional pass-back from Joseph and awarded Camden a free kick just 20 feet from the goal. Herkimer’s entire team lined up on the goal line in defense on the kick but the Camden player was able to blast it through the line for the first goal of the game.
The Generals fought back ferociously and was able to tie it up with just seconds left in the first half. The second half was characterized by hustle, heart and many near misses from both teams but the score remained 1-1 at the end of regulation. In the event of a tie the game continues with two golden-goal, 10 minute overtime periods before it results in penalty kicks. Camden finished the game with an impressive shot to the upper 90 about 25 yards out, just out of the reach of Herkimer goalie Sean Connolly in the second overtime. Camden now advances to play the Richland Thunderducks in the National Championship game Sunday, November 13th 2PM at Wehrum Stadium. Herkimer will play the Genesee Cougars who fell to Richland 3-0, for the third place trophy also that Sunday at 11AM.
-Emily Woudenberg