PITTSBURGH, Pa. — In a grueling postseason clash at Montour Junction SC, Salem University and Bryant & Stratton-Syracuse battled through 110 minutes of regulation and extra time locked in a 1–1 stalemate before Bryant & Stratton-Syracuse ultimately prevailed 4–3 in a penalty kick shootout.
The defensive struggle saw both goalkeepers put on stellar performances through a scoreless opening half. Bryant & Stratton-Syracuse broke the deadlock in the 57th minute when Geoffrey Owusu found the back of the net to put his side ahead 1–0.
Salem continued to pressure the defense, and the breakthrough arrived in the 74th minute. Josue Villegas connected on an equalizer, leveling the score at 1–1 and sparking momentum for the Tigers.
Despite both teams trading opportunities through two grueling overtime periods—including a late red card issued to Salem's Noah Kostanian Urvik in the 102nd minute—neither side could find a golden goal, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Bryant & Stratton-Syracuse managed to edge out the Tigers 4–3. Copper West, goalkeeper Gregory Lynch, and Tommy Sowinski all successfully converted their attempts for Salem, but Bryant & Stratton-Syracuse secured the shootout victory to settle the marathon contest.
Salem goalkeeper Gregory Lynch anchored the defensive effort over 110 minutes, collecting 8 saves. Bryant & Stratton-Syracuse held a 26–18 advantage in total shots, while Salem earned 8 corner kicks to their opponent's 7.
