BEL AIR, Md. – The Fighting Owls men's soccer team kicked off their 2022 season against the Vikings of Mercer County and looked to follow up from last season's National Tournament run. Last season the Fighting Owls knocked off the Vikings in a golden goal situation and making the day's contest a highly anticipated rematch.
The Vikings netted the first tally with a goal by Yehontana Sabag off a corner kick with 34:58 in the first half to make it a 1-0 game. The Fighting Owls quickly answered with an Alexis Garcia penalty kick at 37:22 in the first half. In the second half, both teams were in a standoff thanks to several amazing saves by second year goalkeeper, Emanuele Moretti. History repeated itself as the teams headed into overtime. In overtime, both teams missed scoring opportunities until the second overtime when Kenneth Rivera – Romero scored the golden goal to drop the Fighting Owls in the season opener.
Last season the Fighting Owls had an impressive 16-6 record, winning in the NJCAA Eastern District Championship and concluding the season with Daytona State in the NJCAA National Championship.  This season the Fighting Owls have reloaded with several first-year players to add depth behind nine returners. A leader for this Fighting Owls team will be second year Goalkeeper Emanuele Moretti. Last season Moretti has 903 minutes between the post, a goals-against average of 1.00, 53 saves and a .841 save percentage. On the offensive side, look for second year players Alexis Garcia and Kye Williams to be leaders for the attack. Last season, both Garcia and Williams led the program with 16 goals each.
On deck for the Owls is a matchup against the Lynx of Carroll Community College Thursday, August 25th at Harford Stadium.
 
Box Score Highlights
34:37 Goal by Yehonatan Sebag
37:22 Penalty Kick Goal by Alexis Garcia
104:38 Golden goal by Kenneth Rivera – Romero Assisted by Kida Yamguchi