MOUNT VERNON – Time was ticking down on
Sam Burmeister's home career with his Cornell men's soccer team trailing deep into Wednesday's match with Maharishi.
But it wasn't too late for the accomplished Cornell senior to make one lasting impact on a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory.
Burmeister scored twice in the final 12 minutes of regulation, including the decisive goal with 2:19 remaining that sent the Rams off victorious in their home finale.
After a scoreless opening half, the action heated up with the teams combining for five goals, including four in the last 18 minutes.
Two quick strikes by Maharishi (2-8-1) had the Rams (2-11-3) facing a 2-1 deficit with less than 15 minutes to go. Moments later Burmeister gave Cornell a chance, connecting on a free kick from the top of the box that tied it at 2-2.
Burmeister wasn't done yet.
At the 87-minute mark, the all-conference midfielder gained possession on Cornell's defensive end and raced 70 yards the other way. Burmeister powered a left-footed kick into the top left corner of the goal and put Cornell ahead to stay.
It was Burmeister's fourth goal of the season, and first game-winner.
Cornell freshman
Uriel Andrade-Martinez opened the scoring with an assisted goal from
Rafiel Alcaraz in the 47th minute.
The Rams attempted 19 shots in the contest, four from Burmeister. Maharishi finished with 17 attempts.
Freshman goalkeeper
James Withers notched his first collegiate victory. He collected five saves over the 90 minutes.
Coming up – The Rams (1-5-2 MWC) travel to play rival Grinnell (11-4-1 overall, 5-3 MWC) in Saturday's regular-season finale at 11 a.m. in Grinnell.
