Plymouth State Clinches Playoff Spot in Thrilling Fashion

Plymouth, N.H. - Junior Jacob Sjoberg's goal in the final minutes of the second overtime gave Plymouth State a thrilling 2-1 victory over UMass Boston in the final game of the season for both teams. The win also gave the Panther's their first LEC playoff spot since 2008.

Sjoberg didn't do it alone, though. Freshman Petro Masumbuko served up a perfect cross from the left sideline to Sjoberg in the middle box for the game-winning header. The Beacons nearly had the game won in regulation, after taking a 1-0 lead on an early second half goal by Lucas Ordosgoitia. With just 3:46 remaining in the game, however, PSU freshman Ted Karlstrand netted the tying goal, forcing overtime.

The Panthers managed only one shot in the first extra frame, and Sjoberg's winner was the only shot taken in the second overtime. For the game, PSU outshot the Beacons 19-10 and 8-2 in penalty kicks. UMB goalkeeper Bryce Menard finished with five saves, while senior Bjorn Ohlsson made four saves for PSU.

Plymouth state moved to 7-10 overall and 4-3 in Little East play. As the fourth seed in the upcoming LEC tournament, the Panthers are currently slated to play the top-seeded and regular season champion Eastern Connecticut State University in a semifinal match in Willimantic, Connecticut on Wednesday. The Panthers will have to be on top of their game, facing an ECSU team that finished the regular season at 15-1-1 and 6-0-1 in conference play. The UMB Beacons finished their season going 5-10-2 overall and 1-6 in the LEC