Nov. 2, 2005

Box Score

Baltimore, Md. - Chris Scarpati scored the game-winning goal with 6:26 remaining in the second overtime to lift Stony Brook to a 3-2 victory over UMBC on Wednesday afternoon, clinching the first America East regular season title in school history. With the win, the Seawolves clinch the No. 1 seed in the upcoming America East tournament and will host a semifinal game on Wednesday, November 9 at 7 p.m. vs. the winner of the Albany/Vermont first round matchup.

"From the beginning of the year we set our sights on a regular season championship," said head coach Cesar Markovic. "Today was the culmination of that goal. We're looking forward to hosting the semifinals at home and completing our ultimate goal of going to the NCAA Tournament."

After battling to a 2-2 tie after regulation, the Seawolves (11-4-3, 6-1-1) came out strong in the first extra frame but was unable to break through. Midway through the second OT, Michael Palacio passed the ball up to Douglas Narvaez at the top of the box and he sent a through ball to a streaking Scarpati, who beat the defender and put the ball inside the far left post for the win.

Stony Brook dominated play in the opening minutes, manufacturing several offensive opportunities while the defense led by Yahaya Musa, Martin Lynch, Mark Zajkowski kept the Retrievers (9-6-3, 6-2-0) off balance. The Seawolves' hard work paid off in the 16th minute as Matt Avellino stole the ball from a UMBC defender and fired off a shot from 22 yards out to the left of Retrievers goalkeeper Steve King to give SB the 1-0 lead.

With nine minutes to play in the opening half, Stony Brook was called for a hand ball in the box, and Marcus Gross put the penalty kick into the center of the goal past a diving John Moschella to knot the game at a goal apiece.

Stony Brook regained the lead in the 58th minute as Zajkowski passed the ball up to Narvaez, who crossed from the top of the 18 to Scarpati. He let the ball go and Palacio tucked the ball into the right corner of the net to make it 2-1.

The Retrievers answered again soon after as Kevin Mezzadra's short cross from near the goal line was headed in by Manuel Mariel at the 64:59 mark.

Moschella turned away six shots in the victory, while King made four saves in the loss.

The Seawolves have been outstanding away from the friendly confines of Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium, finishing the regular season with a 8-1-2 mark, including a perfect 4-0 in America East play.

UMBC had won 28 consecutive home games, but has now lost two straight at home. The Retrievers will host a semifinal game on November 9 vs. the winner of the Bighamton/Boston University first round game.