| | Published November 23rd, 2011
| SMC Soccer Heads to Sweet Sixteen
| | By Caitlin Graveson |  | | Riley Hanley Photo Tod Fierner
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Saint Mary's men's soccer team defeated #7 UC Irvine to advance to the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen. In the late Sunday game, sophomore forward Justin Howard headed in the winning goal in 103rd minute, in double overtime, to give the Gaels a 2-1 win.
Saint Mary's got on the board first as freshman midfielder Riley Hanley scored in the 58th minute. With under 10 minutes to play, UCI answered back to tie the game in the 84th minute.
Neither team scored in the first overtime, but Howard finally found the net and the win in the second overtime, to take the game 2-1.
Senior goalie Doug Herrick made five saves and allowed one goal.
On Friday, November 17 Saint Mary's defeated #25 CSU Bakersfield 1-0 to reach the second round against UCI. It was the first NCAA Tournament win for the Gaels and only their second appearance, the first coming in 2009. It was also the Gaels 11th shutout of the season.
The Gaels will take on Brown in the Sweet Sixteen on November 27; at press time, details have yet to be announced. This is Brown's second consecutive NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance. They defeated defending national champion #9 St. John's to reach the match.
The program has been recognized for their success by the WCC. Head coach Adam Cooper was named the WCC Coach of the Year. Agustin Cazerez was named to the All-WCC First Team. Second Team honors went to Malcolm Alugas, Jose Cabeza, Julian Godinez and Herrick. Justin Grider and Trevor Newquist were named WCC Honorable Mentions. Hanley was named to the All-Freshman team.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA