The Emory University men's soccer team suffered a heartbreaking last-minute defeat to New York University in UAA action Friday evening in Atlanta.
The Violets (6-4-1, 2-1 UAA) netted the game-winning goal with 47 seconds remaining, handing the Eagles their third loss in conference play and moving their overall record to 3-6-4.
An immensely physical contest the saw the two teams combine for 35 fouls, nine yellow cards and one red card was decided in the closing moments by a hard takedown right at the top of the 18, setting up a free kick for the Violets. Senior Peter Wagner was there with a great diving save to block the free kick, however NYU's Arkan Tahsildaroglu was at the right place, right time to finish home the rebound to give the visitors the 3-2 win.
Emory's Alex Mills led off the scoring, notching the game's lone tally in the first half. A good pass in found Mills with a one-on-one opportunity where he was able to beat the defender and send an arc from the left side that just managed to bounce into the net after Violet goalie Luca Manusco's fingertips grazed the ball.
The score remained 1-0 until NYU took the lead with two goals within a four minute span mid-way through the second half. The Violets struck with the equalizer in the 61st minute as Terra Nagai managed to find the back of the net with a header on the assist by Tahsildaroglu. A few minutes later, NYU took the lead with a goal by Joe Leslie at the 64:16 mark on another assist by Tahsildaroglu.
The deficit was short lived however as senior Zach Kornblum made it a 2-2 game at the 67:11 mark, scoring from straight on with Mills picking up the assist.
Pressure from both sides picked up over the final stages of the contest, with NYU totaling five shots on goal and the Eagles recording two on frame before the Violets cashed in with the game-winner in the final minute.
Emory will look to finish the weekend strong as the UAA double weekend concludes Sunday against Brandeis University, starting at 11:00 AM.