Adam O’Grady Nets Two as Men’s Soccer Bests Westfield State University, 3-2 in Overtime

CHICOPEE, Mass. – Elms College senior forward Adam O'Grady (Somers, Conn.) netted the equalizing goal in the 85^th minute of play and struck for the game-winner in the 98^th minute to help propel the Blazers to a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over Westfield State University in Tuesday evening's non-conference men's soccer game at Leary Field.

With the win, Elms wins its second game in a row and fourth in its last five outings to improve to 4-3-0 on the season. Westfield State moves to 2-6-0 overall.

In a contest that featured early action, Elms drew first blood when senior forward Ziggy Jonathan (Springfield, Mass.) scored on a pass in the six-yard box from junior midfielder Conor Rieker (Agawam, Mass.) to give the Blazers a 1-0 lead at the 22:34 mark.

Westfield State answered when Nick Tavares (Ludlow, Mass.) took a centering pass from Dan Brady (Wilbraham, Mass.) and deposited the ball in the back of the net to level the game at 1-1 31^st minute of play.

Tavares was on the end of another centering pass five minutes later, this time from Dom Cavallini (Springfield, Mass.) and was able to capitalize with his second goal of the match to give the Owls a 2-1 edge.

After playing nearly 40 minutes of scoreless soccer in the second half that featured a trio of saves by both goaltenders, Adam O'Grady netted the equalizing goal on a pass from sophomore forward Lorenzo Rolocut (Somers, Conn.) at the 84:51 mark to set the score at 2-2 after regulation.

Adam O'Grady continued with his late-game heroics more than seven minutes into the extra frame when junior defender Anthony Nitri (Feeding Hills, Mass.) delivered a centering ball that Rolocut touched to Adam O'Grady who then tapped the ball into the back of the net to seal the victory for Elms.

Blazers' sophomore goalkeeper Christian Kostka (Oxford, Conn.) finished with six saves in the winning effort, while Keith Hevey (Chicopee, Mass.) made six saves for Westfield State in defeat.

Elms returns to conference action on Saturday, September 28 with a 12:00 p.m. contest at Mitchell College in New London, Conn.