DOYLESTOWN (PA) – One year removed from celebrating his hat trick at Gwynedd Mercy University,
Nick Miller scored the golden goal in the 99
th minute to lift Delaware Valley University to a 3-2 overtime victory over the Griffins.
First-year head coach
Chris Zirpoli got his first taste of victory on home turf as his Aggies improved to 3-3 overall while Gwynedd Mercy dropped to 0-7-1.
It was the second extra-time game for DelVal in as many home matches this year, as it avenged a 2-1 decision against Clarks Summit just 15 days ago.
With 2:15 on the first overtime clock the Aggies earned a throw-in deep in the Griffins territory and
Sam Dibella subbed in to take the throw. He launched a ball into the box that bounced around unsettled before Miller got a foot on it and beat the keeper from five yards out.
The game-winning goal was the junior's ninth point against the Griffins in his career. In 2015, he assisted on the Aggies lone tally in a 3-1 defeat. The next season, he recorded three goals including the game-winner in a 3-2 victory.
Gwynedd Mercy controlled much of the first half with a 7-2 advantage in shots while earning three corners to DelVal's one. The pressure paid off in the 23
rd minute when Matt Saba gathered a loose ball in the box and buried it low past the keeper for the early 1-0 lead.
The Aggies responded with a strong second half and was able to tie the game at one apiece when
Sean Maley sent a cross into the box and
Andre Permyashkin put a head on it. The ball took a high bounce over the keeper and into the back of the net with 34:24 left in regulation.
Neither team was able to generate another goal, leading to the late-game dramatics.
DelVal finished with eight shots on goal and five corner opportunities compared to five and three, respectively, for the Griffins.
Austin Daniels led the way with four shots on target while Miller and Permyashkin had two apiece, including their goals. Maley had the lone assist and
Connor Hedgepeth made three saves.
Saba had three shots on goal including his tally to lead Gwynedd Mercy and Ryan Oyola made five saves in net.
The Aggies will look to build on the momentum as they head to Wesley College on Wednesday, September 27 (7 p.m.).