The ECC Falcons (6-9-1) were able to play through the blustery wind conditions to knock off the State Fair Community College Roadrunners 2-1 in the first round of the NJCAA Region 16 Tournament. SFCC had the wind at their backs the first half and a sustained pressure against the Falcons. In the 35th minute a poor play in midfield led to a turnover and eventual shot on goal giving State Fair a 1-0 lead right before half time. Ross Watson had a chance to tie the game on a break away, but put the ball right at the keeper.
A wind aided second half had ECC mounting more attacks down the flanks and opportunities were created. Jack Ridley won a ball in the defensive third of the Roadrunners and put a pass on Joao Pedro Louzada’s foot for the equalizer in the 64th minute. Sustained pressure had ECC playing balls just wide and not finding the net. Finally in the 79th minute, Ridley connected on a ball out wide left to Watson. It was redemption from the first half for ECC’s Watson and Ridley, as Watson hammered a ball off the inside of the post for the eventual game winner in the 79th minute.
The Falcons will live another day in the post season as they take on the #1 seed in the region St. Charles Community College on Tuesday, Oct. 25 in St. Charles at 2:00PM.
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