Box Score

OLD WESTBURY, N.Y. - Sophomore captain Vinny Caccavale (West Islip, N.Y.) netted the game-winning goal to lift No. 2 NYIT to a 2-1 victory over the No. 3 University of Bridgeport in an East Coast Conference semifinal match Wednesday afternoon. With the win, the Bears advance to the ECC Championship match to be played against No. 1 C.W. Post on Friday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m.

NYIT earned an early 1-0 lead with an unassisted goal by Javier Gallardo (Sevilla, Spain) at 15:13. The sophomore took the shot off a rebounded shot by senior Danilo Hernandez (Mineola, N.Y.). The Bears made it a 2-0 game 20 minutes later on a goal by Caccavale. Sophomore Jovan Pervaz (Novia Sad, Serbia) fed the ball up to Caccavale, who scored off a fast break. The goal eventually became the game-winner.

Thanks to the Bears' defense anchored by senior Pierre Sy (Lindenhurst, N.Y.) and Gallardo, NYIT held onto the 2-0 advantage until there was 34 seconds remaining. At 89:38, the Bears fouled the Purple Knights in the box, which resulted in a penalty kick fro Bridgeport. Patric Brundin took the shot and found the back of the net to end NYIT's shutout.

The win was awarded to junior keeper Joe Caccavale (West Islip, N.Y.), who made two saves. He improved to 4-0-0 on the season. The loss went to Danny Hernandez (9-7-1), who made seven saves.

Provided by the NYIT Sports Information Department.